Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 2:22 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone’s eyes were watching the tea as he left. She knew the conversation coming and she blew on it before sipping. Once Lucas was gone Simone looked up at Lewis finally. There was relief in her eyes but she shook her head. “It would have been worth it Lewis. I said over my dead body and I meant it. They are our children.”

She reached over and took his hand. “Let’s be thankful that Lucas is a very thoughtful boy. I was so proud of him Lewis. The way he took on his own problems.” They hadn’t known him very long but Simone was dead set on being able to protect him.

Knowing this wasn’t enough she took a heavy sigh, “Fine, I give. I’ll let you teach me to swim. I’ll willingly get in the stupid water.” She frowned a bit but chuckled at him, "Whatever curves the fear in your heart. I'm not going to go anywhere if I can help it. The situation last night was the only thing I could think of to save Lucas."

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 2:14 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

The real Simone was back, finally, but that didn’t change Lucas’ apprehension towards either of the Simone’s. But at least he felt a bit better, and that she wasn’t dead due to something he had caused. Lewis was, of course, happy to see Simone back, and helped her up. They gave each other a knowing look, and then everything seemed to be okay. The help staff brought out a cup of tea for Simone, and set it in front of her.

“So…I guess…everything is okay then?” Lucas asked. “Then…I’ll be in the library ‘til you need me.” The young boy stood up and excused himself, darting out of the dining hall and up the stairs, leaving Simone and Lewis alone with the remaining help.

“That was a hell of a gamble,” Lewis said with a heavy sigh. “If he hadn’t gotten your body, I wouldn’t have been able to get to you in time. You’d be lost in the ocean.” Despite his nonchalant tone, there was worry in their resonance. “I know you can’t die but…you’d have suffered for a long time…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 6:33 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone had only half been paying attention as she devoured what was in front of her. There was a little hum from her as she ate the eggs and ham. She had managed to scoot off the vegetables which were causing a fuss. She started to balance the chair with the back legs because she was bored and waiting for Lewis to finish up with Lucas. She held her arms out to balance herself when she let a light scream leave her lips as the chair and her went backward.

Her leg started to act like it was tapping as Simone crossed her arms. There was a glare and eyes slid over to Lewis. “What was she doing? Why am I on the floor?” It had been a smooth transition this time. Sure Simone looked tired but from the look on Simone’s face she was displeased.

“Was she CRYING?” She was so embarrassed. “Nevermind,” Simone said as she pulled herself up sat proper and cleaned her face. “And she just scoots the vegetables off the plate as if they are nothing!”

“PRECISELY MY THOUGHTS MADAM,” the butler was so happy Simone was back. They nodding to each other.

“The next time the Guide is out RIGOROUS manner training if you would.”

“Madam it would be my honor.” Simone was harsh.

Finally, Simone’s eyes fell on Lucas. “I would be happy if you stayed Lucas. The library is yours to scour. There’s one by your room too that has a smaller collection.” She was feeling her robe. “Why is there a hole in my robe?”

“…The other Missus was playing with a dagger and missed.”

There was a sigh from Simone’s lips. “She is not ever to be left alone. She is liable to kill herself.” Now that she was calmed down and centered herself her eyes once more went to Lucas. "In about an hour or two we'll be going to Jayou to get you checked out by Leilah. Please make sure you are presentable as they are good friends of ours. If Rhenakos speaks to you and trust me you'll know him feel free to ignore him."

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 6:22 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Lucas sighed with relief, meanwhile one of the help came over and started to help the guide clean herself up. Lewis’ attention stayed focused on the boy though.

“The ship will be here before that, but I promise Simone will be fine,” the assassin said as he pointed at Lucas’ food. “You’ll need to eat though. We’ve prepared some silver as well for when you leave, and a small bag of suppl-”

“I don’t think,” Lucas interrupted. His face went pale as Lewis gave him a look. “…er…I’m sorry…but….” He was quieter now. “I don’t…think Simone would be happy if I left when she couldn’t see me off, so…” The boy glanced to the side. “I could…at least…wait until she came back before…”

“That’s very noble of you, but the guilds operate on a schedule,” Lewis said. “I can’t really control when they leave. The next ship wouldn’t be out till tomorrow. And with a storm coming, they may not even be able to make that.” The assassin gave the guide a look, saying she was making a mess again.

“Oh…well…” The young man pushed his half eaten plate back. “I guess….I can…stay…for a little while longer…if that’s okay…..”

Lewis nodded. “Like I said…you’re always welcome here, Lucas.”

“Would it be okay if I excused myself to the library?” he asked.

“For the time being, yes. Although…I’m sure Simone will drag you to Jayou to meet Leilah for a once over once she’s awake. It’s an appointment, and Simone is usually good about keeping them,” Lewis replied.

“But wait, I thought you were about to send me off?”

The assassin smirked. “You don’t give Simone quite enough cred-” There was a crashing sound as the guide and her chair fell back. “…credit…” Lewis looked to the guide, and sighed. “Are you…okay Simone?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 6:04 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone snuffled up at Lewis as she stopped her tears immediately when he was petting her hair. “He does? So it’s not me?” She was still taking giant huffs of air from her wailing. “Good.” She got off the ground with his help and sat down at the table. The staff help had an expression on their face but it melted away as she plopped a tart in her mouth with a satisfied look on her face.

With a mouth full of food the Guide looked at him, “So, you aren’t staying with us?” It was hard to hear over the food in her mouth.

“MADAM,” the butler was in shock of her manners. Manners which the Missus was very thorough.

“What?” The tart crumbles were falling out of her mouth. The butler looked like he was about to have an aneurysm. “Did I do something wrong?” Her eyes were concerned as she looked at Lewis. She had tart jam all over her face now.

Once he asked about Simone the Guide thought it was, “She protected herself with all of her magic during the explosion. She’s exhausted but not as exhausted as the time she choked her emotions out. If I had to say… It will be a few hours before she comes back but she is pushing for sooner because she is worried about you.” She was looking at Lucas.

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 5:58 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

After thinking that Simone was dead, the sudden assault from her made him absolutely flip out. Without really meaning to, he threw the lady off of him, and immediately started to scream. What REALLY confused him was that she started screaming back, and while Lucas went to hide behind a chair, Simone started running in circles screaming.

It took her a moment to realize that Lucas was hiding behind the chair, and at once she started to pout and cry, looking to Lewis for support.

“What…the…” Lucas said, taking a step back and dragging the chair with him. “What…happened to you…?”

Lewis sighed from the table, “Lucas…this is the Guide. She’s…well…Simone, but…not.” The assassin grumbled. “It’s too hard to explain, but Simone told you the story, right? It’s the same Guide…she’s…” He looked to her. “Very…innocent.” He stood up and walked over to her, petting her hair.

“Simone…Lucas has a fear of women. I should have told you. I’m sorry.” He helped her up, and took her over to the table. “It’s not you, I promise…” He looked to Lucas. “Please sit at the table. After you eat, I’ll make sure to get you to Benin.”

Lucas froze. Benin? It dawned on him. Even with the attack, Lewis was still arranging a boat. “Oh…” He moved the chair back to its place, and sat down. His food was brought out, and he picked at it before finally eating. “So…how long…is she going to be like this…?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 5:49 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone’s resonance had gone out like a light. She had used too much energy protecting herself from the blast combined with how angry she had been. Luckily Lucas had been there to pull her from the water. Once they were settled in at the house the hours that followed had the Guide waking up in Simone’s place. She was confused by some of the cuts on her but was immediately filled in that there had been an accident.

The morning that Lucas joined Lewis in the dining hall she was making her way down. She had been made aware of a new child living at the house. Her eyes lit up when she saw the green hair. She loved the color of it! Her feet pattered against the floor as she threw herself onto Lucas from his back. “SIMONE IS ASLEEP!”

She held onto him, “HI! I’m the other part of Simone that comes out when she runs out of magic!” It was a hastily made explanation as she hugged Lucas tightly. Lucas immediately threw her off and started to scream. The guide was horrified that something was on her so she started to spin and scream too. It was after a few seconds that she was screaming because he was scaring her and finally it dawned on her that he was afraid of her.

The guide started to cry and fell into a puddle of herself on the floor, “he hates me.” The tears were huge and she looked like a mess. “I was just trying to love him.” She was yelling it in huffs of breath in between her tears.

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 5:42 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Lewis was wiping down his daggers when he heard the explosion off the shore. He smiled, Good job, Simone. ….Simone…? Simone!? Silence. The resonance he felt with her suddenly shattered, and his eyes widened with fear. “Simone!?” At once, he started towards the exploding ship.

—


Lucas hit the ground hard, and as he scrambled up, he was easily knocked back by the gunpowder on the ship igniting. The explosion lit up the sky, sending wood and shrapnel sailing through the air. The heat was almost unbearable even from the shore, and at once Lucas was panicking.

“Shit, shit…Simone! Shit…” He started pacing back and forth. “Find her…I’ve got to find her!” He dove into the water, and started to swim. His body started to elongate, and he dove underneath the water. His form grew and grew, to almost the size of the ship itself, a giant water snake slithering through the water with ease.

It didn’t take him long to find Simone sinking beneath the waves. He carefully got under hear, and pushed her to the surface and to the shore. As he got closer, he shifted back into his human form, and started to drag her onto the sands. As he got her to the shore, he saw Lewis running towards them.

“Lewis! Help! Please!” Lucas called out. “Please…” He was panting. “I…” the exhaustion was catching up, and his adrenaline was running out. “Just…just save…” He rolled over in the sands, losing consciousness.

—

Lucas groaned as the sunlight filtered through his window into his room. What happened? Everything was hurting. The shift into his leviathan form was faster than he had ever done it, and he was pretty sure he hurt himself in the process. Still, as long as…

“Simone!?” he shot up, and immediately the room was swimming. “Where…?” He was back in the room that was modeled after the sea. Someone had put him here, and even changed his wet clothes out. “…but is she…?”

There was a knock at the door, followed by the butler opening it. “Ah yes. I was hoping you’d be awake. Master Lewis requests your presence in the dining hall…at your earliest convenience, of course.” With a bow, the butler left Lucas.

He’s gonna kill me… Mustering up his strength and courage, he made his way down the stairs and to the dining hall, where Lewis sat waiting. When the boy entered, Lewis made no sudden movements, and instead focused on the plate in front of him, slowly eating and sipping his drink.

“L-Lewis…?” Lucas asked as he approached the table. “…is…is Simone…?”

Lewis sighed, and looked up from his plate. “She’s….”

Lucas’ heart dropped. “I’m so sorry, I….”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 5:28 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone didn’t look disappointed when he started to speak instead she just smiled. “I’m proud of you Lucas. You didn’t need to be angry with her to do what I was asking you to do. You are Lucas and you’ve done things your own way. Justifying the situation on your own terms instead of doing it the way Lewis or I would have. We are all strong in our own ways and all have our different ways of handling it. You were very mature about it and very gentle.”

Once Syliva had died Simone simply used her foot to push her to the side. “No Lucas. Revenge, killing who hurt you… Nothing like that can make you happy.” She looked at him. “It just makes you feel empty for a time. This was all you knew and that leaves a hole in you just like it left a hole in me too. You can find people to fill that hole and make something of it. All you can do is keep walking forward. Learn the world.” There was a gentle smile on her face and her eyes were beaming full of pride at him.

The ship creaked and there was panic on Simone’s face before she took Lucas and threw him with magic. She made him land onshore safely before the ship exploded from magic below deck.

Simone never did learn how to swim, at least the explosion was nothing to sneeze at.

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 5:21 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

With the black flames circling around them, Lucas looked at the fallen pirate, Syliva. There was something about the whole thing, seeing the now broken woman kneeling before him, that made him feel an emotion that he had never felt before. It wasn’t anger, and it wasn’t rage. Simone was trying to pull something out of him that he wasn’t capable of. This vile hatred that Simone held for the woman was justified, and by all means he should have felt the same.

But he didn’t.

“Simone…I…” He looked to the fierce woman who had protected him. Even now, the visage of her form, wrapped in black flames was haunting. “I can’t…” He looked down at Sylvia. “I can’t be mad…” He knelt down, bringing himself to her level.

Lucas’ gaze was met by the pirate’s scowl. But she held back what she was going to say. After all, there was still a chance… “Well then, boy?” she asked.

“I pity you…” Lucas said finally. “I was terrified of you. Of all of you. Each day I cowered in fear, but…yet here this woman comes, a mother no less, and she absolutely destroys everything you held dear…” The boy stood up, a soft look across his face. “I thought of you as some terrifying monster, and yet a single woman has shown me that you’re nothing…” He took a deep breath, his eyes watering. “I pity you…”

“You fucking wretched child, I’ll-” At once, a dagger appeared in her throat. Her eyes went wide with shock as she started to choke on her own blood. It didn’t take long, and she fell to her side, dead.

Lucas simply stared at her lifeless body. What…am I supposed to feel right now? He looked to Simone, confused. “I don’t….understand. I thought….I’d be happy…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 5:10 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone startled to chuckle as she listened to Syliva, “You are a piece of work~” She could tell that she was intentionally trying to piss her off so Simone was off edge. The more upset Simone got though the more precise she was. “There’s just one, itsy bitsy… little thing you don’t know about me~ I’m a fucking perfectionist,” she screamed as she killed off the last bits of Syliva’s crew that was on the main deck.

Lucas’s words didn’t stop Simone’s advance as Simone homed in on Syliva, “Part of me wanted you in Lewis’s sight. Your crew is probably all dead on the mainland now. It’s been a while since he could just let loose and kill.” Her tone was filled with bloodlust. “I feel how excited it's making him to rip and tear through your crew. The ecstasy that he has known what I’m going to do to you.”

No threats made it to Simone even if Syliva tried to kill Lucas. All she found was a dagger in her faster. “Lucas, there’s also a small error on your part. From the moment we found you… You were already part of this family even if you wanted to leave tomorrow. We protect ours and that includes you, no matter how you feel about it we already decided this.” She pulled him into a hug real quick and forced him behind her. “Now stop being silly and throwing your life away. You aren’t a burden, you were made to feel weak and insignificant but you are not. You are worth the world and I would gladly burn a hundred pirate armies if it meant that you stayed safe.”

Simone’s eyes narrowed onto Syliva. “I was honestly wondering what I would do to you~ Normally Lewis and I would torture someone like you to death. We would make you feel EVERYTHING that you have done wrong. Not even that is good enough for you. You vile piece of shit,” she growled low.

She was quick to disable Syliva with her own daggers moving so fast that she wouldn’t have known what happened to her. Like a lion, she was circling Syliva now wondering what she should do. “Lucas, now is the one and only time you have to tell this vermin what you really think of her. She moves to hurt you I kill her. She moves to spit vile at you I kill her. Stand up for yourself. Tell her what you think, it will give you more strength than you can ever imagine and help the healing.” She took her barefoot and smashed it into Syliva’s back making her bow before Lucas.

“Scream, interrupt, or in general just be a bigger piece of shit than I already think you are and I’ll kill you. Got it?” Simone offered Syliva a displeased look before nodding to Lucas. “I told you. You are safe as long as you are with us.”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 4:56 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

The feeling of being pulled back into his own personal hell was soul crushing. The world that Simone and Lewis had tried so hard to sell him had all but been yanked away, leaving him once more in the cold, heartless truth of his existence. The pirates were relentless. They would destroy the island and castle, and burn everything to the ground. They’d kill Simone and Lewis, and take the remaining children as slaves, just like he was.

My mere existence here caused this… He would have no choice but to be a good little boy for them. No one else deserved this kind of pain, least of all those who extended their hands to help.

The pirate lord Sylvia laughed, her crimson red hair dancing in the wind as she took her boot to Lucas’ leg, crushing it beneath her heel. The boy cried out as she brought her sheathed blade down on his arms, beating him for trying to escape.

“Worthless boy…see what happens when you try to run? Look at what you’ve done to these poor people…” Her eyes were flickering with cruelty. She was enjoying every waking second of this. There was banter from behind her, followed by more shots from the cannons.

“LADY SYLIVA! PREPARE FOR IMPACT!” A voice called out.

“What the hell do you mean impa-” she screamed as the ship suddenly lurched, a large explosion of black and blue flames erupting from the back half of the ship as Simone landed.

Syliva was knocked to the ground, and she yelled to attack the crazy woman who dared assault the ship. As they all scrambled up to attack Simone, Syliva pulled herself up, and yanked Lucas to his feet. She drew her blade, and locked Lucas’ head between her shoulder and the edge.

“Too late…there’s no escaping…” Syliva smiled, even as Simone killed off her crew. “And here I was hoping to keep this kid around long enough to get some offspring…you know? Leviathans sell for a high price on the black market…and the young ones are easy enough to brainwash…” At this point, she was intentionally antagonizing the woman. The angrier she got, the more likely she would make mistakes.

Lucas whimpered, but didn’t move. He knew his mistress well, and she would not hesitate to coat his blood on the deck.

“Simone…” Lucas said, his voice quivering with fear. “Just…just kill me. Do it. Please save your family…they don’t deserve this. Just kill her…make sure she pays…” He was trembling now. More than anything, he feared the death that was to come. “I’m sorry….I’m sorry I brought this on you and your family…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 4:39 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone stared at Lewis, “I heard bodies are good for plants.” It was brutal and cold-blooded but she had warned them. She had told them to leave their island and they didn’t listen. “Why don’t they ever fucking LISTEN.” The pirates. Felix. All of them. They were all dipshits.

“I can handle the ship. I’ll make it floating firewood with body decor~” She nodded to who they were leaving alive, “No one. Not a soul. The first time I gave a warning was the last one I will give.” They never fucking listened.

Simone was making sure the kids were in the cellar when the house help ran up in a panic, “MAGIC MISSUS.”

“What about magic?” She was worried now.

“Master Lucas is just gone,” the butler was scared and Simone growled.

”If you find the leader save her for me. She crossed the line just now. They abducted Lucas with magic.” She communicated with Lewis before making the butler go back down into the cellar. In a burst of fire the phoenix flew off towards the ship.

I bet they are going to hold them there while they punish us. No matter.

The first few cannon fires she dodged. She was a small target so they wouldn’t be able to hit her but she wasn’t about to blow up the ship with Lucas on board. His green hair was easy enough for her to spot up on the deck. She watched as they punished him and rage went through the resonance link.

An explosion of black and blue fire and took out the back half of the ship as she landed on the top deck. Her body shifted back to her human form where she was swift to kick the person closest to Lucas far and into the water. “I fucking warned you. I told you not to come back,” she let the magic shoot through her hands as she started to hurt the dark fireballs. “I will now teach you those who threaten my children and my home,” her rage was coming out as she screamed at the pirates. She used the daggers she had managed to grab.

“Lucas, get to shore NOW,” she screamed as one of the pirates grabbed her from behind. She headbutted his nose breaking it before reversing the hold and snapping his neck. She put another dagger through a pirate’s neck who was going for Lucas. “NOW, I can’t fight and protect you at the same time.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 4:29 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Lewis was up at the first sign of danger, and without hesitating started getting ready as Simone shelled out orders. All of them were solid plans, and by the time the two made their way down to the main foyer of the house, Lucas had already agreed to take the kids down to the cellar and watch over them. This left Lewis and Simone to deal with the attacking pirates, which…

“I’m not going to hold back,” Lewis stated as he checked the straps on his knives and daggers. “I hope the plants won’t mind the bloodbath.” There was a slight, maniacal grin that came with the last statement. It had been quite some time since he was allowed to ‘cut loose’ and do whatever he pleased. The fact that he was saving people was just a surprise bonus.

“If you fly around and take care of the ship…I can handle the one’s coming for the house.” He looked to Simone with his wicked smile. “Not a single one left alive…right?” He pulled out two daggers, “See you in the morning, love…” With that, he bolted out the door, and disappeared into the night.

—

Lucas huddled down with Fiori and Mira and the rest of the help. There seemed to be some hushed arguments between Mira and the help as she seemed willing to fight back, but it seemed like they knew how to talk her down, much to her disappointment. Still, the fact that a kid half of Lucas’ age was willing to fight was insane.

And here I am…letting them fight my battles. …I…why are they helping me? He was so preoccupied, that he never noticed the fizzling magic forming right behind him….

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 4:12 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone was disappointed but it couldn’t be read on her face. “It’s as Lewis says. You’ll always have a home here if you want it. The castle is big enough that we can afford that much even if it’s just a temporary safe haven for you. The island will always be safe as long as we’re here.” Simone nodded to Lewis and looked up at Lucas, “We can give you some silver to start with as well. You won’t get anywhere without it. The clothing in the room is yours to keep as well. I’m not going to send you off into the world unprepared.”

Once they got him to her room she handed him a warm blanket, “Sometimes the nights here get a little cold so take this just in case. If you use it, you use it. Good night Lucas.”

Simone and Lewis got their kids into bed and spent time with the babies before getting them down. IT was dead into the night when the first cannon fire happened. The hooting and the hollering was what alarmed some of the house help sent them screaming up to the room, “MISSUS, MASTER.”

Simone jolted out of bed and swung open the door, “What is it?” The panic alone was enough to make her realize this was serious. They had woken the kids up.

“Cannon fire missus. It appears like a ship docked on the other side of the island. We see torches in the distance Madam they appear to have made their way onto the island coming near the castle.”

Simone shot a look at Lewis before bolting out of the door. “Have the house help gather the children. Go down into the wine cellar. Calm them down,” she yelled her orders as she ran barefoot in just her nightgown down the stairs. She stopped briefly to look at Lucas, “Go down into the cellar with the other children. I’m not going to let them have you over my dead body or theirs. Whatever happens first.”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 3:56 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Listening to the story was something else. The ups and downs, and the insanity of it all was something incredible to hear, and he had to remind himself that it had all happened. At least, if what Simone was saying was true. He was a little startled when Lewis came in, but he settled back down once the man sat next to his wife, and finished the story.

There was a flurry of emotions that Lucas was dealing with though. On one hand, he understood where she was coming from. They wanted to make sure he was safe. On the other hand, Simone terrified him. And the thought of being at the mercy of some strange woman as she poked and prodded him, even if it was a health checkup, was not appealing in the slightest.

“I….I appreciate it,” Lucas replied uneasily. “But I think…I’ll be leaving tomorrow, and heading to Benin.” There was uncertainty in his voice. “I’m sorry…I just…” There was so much here that he wanted to see and learn, but he felt as though he didn’t belong.

Lewis cocked his head to the side, looking at the boy curiously. “Well…if you change your mind, you’re always welcome here…” He shrugged. He would never force it on anyone. “I’ll arrange for a ship tomorrow. In the meantime, you can sleep in the same room as last night.”

And that was that. Lucas said his goodnights, and headed back to the room. It was all he could do to hold it together, and when the door shut behind him, he fell back against it, sliding to the floor. Tears were welling up in his eyes, and he had no idea why. These people…they were nice, so nice…but why waste it on him? There were kids who were in far worse situations…he was already too broken.

“I’ll just…get out of their hair…and they can go on with their lives…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 3:36 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone smiled up at Lewis and gave him a kiss once he was next to her. When Lucas corrected Lewis she smirked and chuckled. “Snarky indeed. You would fit in just fine Lucas. You don’t need to apologize to us or watch what you say. That is unless it is completely disrespectful aside from calling Rhenakos a dick~ You’ll meet him soon enough since we’ll head to Jayou for health check-ups. I would really like Leilah to treat you and check you over.”

There was a concerned look on her face, “Leilah is one of the nicest people ever so you don’t have to worry about her. She is an alchemist by trade but she also dabbles in medicine thanks to her mother being a physician.”

There was a breath that Simone sucked in and she looked at Lewis. “Lucas, we would like you to stay with us and become part of our family. I’m not saying you have to be near me all the time but I can teach you to read and get you a fine education. You’ll be safe here and you’ll be able to do whatever you want as long as you are safe doing it. When I told the pirates you belonged to me it was to scare them off and it wasn’t something I wanted you to take to heart. I was owned for more than a millennium and I was abused throughout that time before Lewis saved me. I am fully aware of the life you’ve led up to this point and that’s why I would like you to stay.”

Her hand rested on her womb for a moment as her fingers tapped across it, “I’m sure you’ve noticed that none of our children are the same race as us. You are a smart kid, that much I can tell. The truth is my ability to have children was taken away by my abuser after he killed my children and we haven’t found a way to get it back. Instead of trying, we decided to adopt children who are in need of homes. Children like you. I’m aware you didn’t ask for a sob story and I’m not asking you to feel sorry but you are old enough to understand and know why we’re doing what we’re doing.”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Fri Nov 6, 2020 7:00 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

There was a sudden voice from behind Lucas, who was sitting across from Simone. A lamp illuminated the area as Lewis walked out, adding his voice to the story that had been being told through the day.

“We were married within a day of planning. A bunch of our…friends came together to make it happen. It was a tad bit much,” he said as he sat down next to Simone. Per the Goddess, Simone and I were two idiots who couldn’t just say what we wanted to each other. And she was…sadly right.” The assassin sighed. “I fulfilled my end of the bargain and killed her, but well…within a month I pretty much lost it.”

“Surprise, surprise…the emotionless assassin actually had a heart,” he said with a somber smile. “I pretty much begged Lady Angela for a second chance, and I got slapped for it. Little fun fact…don’t wake up any of the Gods if you ever end up in their realms. It’s a bad idea.”

Lucas blinked, but stayed quiet. Lewis wasn’t as good at telling stories as Simone, but he had his own unique spin to things. It was just weird hearing it in a dull tone.

“Anyway,” Lewis continued on. “Lady Angela worked her magic, and because Simone was stubborn and refused to move on…she was brought back as a phoenix. Which….as you can tell, is pretty fucking great.”

“Language,” Lucas said, and then immediately clapped his mouth shut.

Lewis smirked. “Snarky kid…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Nov 6, 2020 6:43 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

“Lewis and I are one in the same person,” Simone looked at Lewis. “Lewis killed me to set me free and he brought me back to life. When he did that it bound our souls together. Therefore we can see and hear what each other is doing and we can communicate long distances.”

Simone smiled at him and took his hand and pulled gently. “You can talk as much as you want with me, Lucas. I’m not going to tell you to stop. I’ll tell you the long story of how Lewis and I met. You are old enough for me to tell you the whole story.” Not even Dala had heard the uncensored version of it. Out in the garden, she told him the long narration of her and Lewis.

She told it just like a good book with different voices and she moved her hands. She was good at weaving stories. The butler came out once it started to become night and wrapped her in a shawl. “Thank you,” she smiled up at him and then looked back at Lucas. “Then I asked Lewis to marry me just before he killed me. He was thinking why not? He would be rid of me soon… At least that’s what he thought he would want.”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Fri Nov 6, 2020 6:37 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Lucas was flustered, but the way that Lewis was speaking made it so hard to interrupt. He had no intention of having a story time with the crazy bird lady, but before anything could happen, Lewis was gone. Simone seemed excited about the whole thing, but Lucas was apprehensive and with good reason. Still, he was confused when Simone suddenly stopped what she was doing, and had a reaction that made absolutely no sense to the boy.

“I’m…sorry, what?” Lucas asked. “How do you…know?” He cocked his head to the side.

“I remember the pirates always telling tall tales, but I’ve not heard any real stories. Just legends of treasure and other pirates really…” He smiled. “What about your story? Of how you and Lewis met? He seems dangerous…and he works at night. Is he a spy? An assassin? Some badass ninja versus pirate thing?” The boy definitely had an imagination despite his fear. “I heard there was a famous ninja who went around slaying pirates…”

He paused, realizing how much he was talking and how excited he had gotten. Immediately he shrank down, muttering. “Oh…sorry. I didn’t mean to…I’ll be quieter. I promise…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Nov 6, 2020 6:23 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone smiled up at the butler before kissing her husband’s cheek. Fiori was staring at Lucas but also playing in her food. There was laughing from Mira as she scarfed her food down. Once she was done she yelled she was going out to play in the water and Simone sighed. “NO. WATER. IN. THE. HOUSE.”

“Por qué,” Mira tilted her head.

“No. Water. Inside. The. House,” both Lewis and Simone were in tune. “And no whales.” Again together.

“Multa,” the girl looked disappointed.

Simone smiled at Lewis while he talked to Lucas. “I agree I worry about Izzy too. I don’t mind really.” She smiled up at Lucas now and passed the handkerchief to Lewis once the one he had was dirty. “You are such a messy eater~” She chuckled.

Once the kids were all settled in for Jayou Simone frowned, “I wish you would go take a nap before you went.” She was so worried and kissed him. “You guys be good for Daddy okay?” She kissed all of them and kissed Lewis big time.

Once they were gone she looked at Lucas. “What kind of stories do you think you would like to hear about?” She was getting a blanket. “We can go get as many books as you wa—” She paused. “That son of a bitch dropped the kids on Leilah and went to sleep…”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Fri Nov 6, 2020 6:09 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

The boy woke up in a strange room the reminded him the the ocean. Somehow, it even smelled a bit like it, and as he sat up, he wondered where he was. The butler came in, informing him of both the library, and of breakfast below. Before Lucas could really grasp what was happening, he was alone again to tend to himself. He stood up, and walked around the room, looking at the love and care that went into the construction of the room. It was a far cry from a dank and cramped space below deck.

The leviathan took his time getting dressed and headed down to breakfast. When he walked in, he noticed that a place had been set for him away from Simone, but still close enough that he could converse if he wanted. Why are they bothering to accommodate me like this?

The door burst open from behind, causing Lucas to jump a little. The silver haired man, Lewis, came in with a grumble and a yawn as he strode past the boy and to his family. He gave Simone a quick kiss, and then sat next to her, leaning back into the chair. He looked tired, but worse, he looked pissed off.

“Oh don’t mind, young Lucas,” the butler said. Once again, the boy jumped, surprised at how the butler had snuck up on him. “He’s quite happy to be home. And he was worried.”

“How…can you tell?” Lucas asked.

“Well, he’s not covered in blood. And he’s not going straight to bed. If I were a betting man, I’d say he wanted to see if you were okay.”

Lucas glanced at the assassin, who turned his attention to the food that was in front of him and scarfed it down. Once he was finished, he scooted his chair over to help the small girl, Fiori, with her food. The little girl was a glutton, and with how tiny she was, both Lewis and Simone were taking care of her.

“Is there…” Lucas said. Lewis paused, and looked up, causing the boy to stop.

“You were saying?” Lewis asked. “Go on.”

“Is there a place in Benin…that can teach me to read?”

Lewis scoffed. “They’re a bunch of superstitious morons. So probably, but I doubt it would be worth the pay.” He glanced to Simone. “She’s a great teacher though…”

The boy gulped. “…I see…”

Lewis sighed, and wiped Fiori’s face. “Simone…why don’t you read him a story like you did last night.”

“How did yo-”

“Just the two of you. In the garden. I’ll take the kids to Jayou for the day,” Lewis said as he stood up. “They could use a playdate with Nyssa and Piper. And I’m sure Izzy needs….socializing….” He twitched. “That girl…she worries me…:” He shivered, and then smiled. “Sound good?”

“Don’t I get a sa-”

“Sound. Good?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Nov 6, 2020 5:50 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

“No, I love reading too. It kept me alive during dark times.” She wasn’t sure if he could read but she shared with him her thoughts. “Take your time. I’ll be here for a while.” She offered a smile. He would need time to open up.

Once she got all the children into bed she explored the castle trying to find out where Lucas had gone. It actually caused her to panic a bit once she hadn’t found him. In the library though, she found him passed out. She smiled a bit and ran her hand through his hair. It was gentle and not enough for him to notice her. She was sneaky like that.

Simone was gentle as she picked him up and carried him up the stairs. The butler helped her get him settled into a room. It was a room done up like the sea. Simone had chosen a variety of different themes. This one seemed to fit him quite well. She tucked him into bed and kissed his forehead. “Good night Lucas. Sleep well.”

In the morning, the butler was the one who came to get him. “Master Lucas, the Missus would like to inform you that there is a second library as well. A smaller one not that far from this room if you choose to keep it. Everything in here is yours. You’ll have a set of fresh clothes and she hopes you like them. Though it was last minute when she got them and they didn’t have much in your size. She is having breakfast down with the children if you would like to join her.”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Fri Nov 6, 2020 5:35 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Lucas walked a bit closer during her explanation, but when she pat the place next to her, he shook his head and took a seat across from her. He was still tense, but his curiosity was getting the better of him. She spoke of him liking the water, and of her fear of it. But he related. Lewis was scary, but Simone was scarier.

“You’re both really scary,” he admitted aloud. At her mention of books, though, he seemed to perk up. “I…I’ve never read anything. I liked the story though,” he said with an actual excited smile. “What happens next? Does the hero make it?” The light faded from his face, though, and he got quiet. “Is it dumb that I…enjoy it that much?” He seemed almost ashamed. “Sorry…I really shouldn’t…”

This was the abuse rearing its ugly head. Perhaps it would be better if he just left it at that. This wasn’t his family, and he was intruding. “I’ll just…” He wanted to leave. “I think I’ll go explore the castle for a bit. He jumped up, and ran down one of the halls, disappearing into the interior.

—

Lucas’ heart was beating fast. What was wrong? He wanted a place to belong, but he didn’t deserve it, not here at least. He would tell Lewis that he wanted a boat to Benin, and be on his way. He would be out of their hair, and away from the potentially dangerous bird lady.

She didn’t seem so threatening, though. She was sad…just like the woman staring at the moon. Lucas crouched down, and ran his hands through his hair, pulling at it anxiously. “I don’t….” He sniffled. “I probably hurt her too…but…” He was afraid. What was he supposed to do? Their offer seemed genuine, but did he deserve it? Would they turn on him after he said yes?

He stood up, still shaking but feeling a bit stronger. The boy continued down his path, and found a large set of double doors. Curious, he opened it, pushing into the room beyond. When he set his eyes on it, he gasped and froze.

The main library sprawled out in front of him, books as far as the eye could see. It had a strange, but pleasant smell about it. He closed the doors behind him, and went to the first bookshelf on the right. He pulled out a book, and blew the dust off from the first page. It had been some time since it was last opened, but it was still in good shape.

The words meant nothing to him, and he frowned. Of course he wouldn’t be able to magically read, but the fact that this many books existed was incredible. Lucas had no idea that anything like this room could possibly even exist. “All of the stories….” He spun around, getting another look at the room.

“So many stories.” the boy grabbed a stack of books from the table, and found himself a comfortable nook near a window. He opened the first one again, looking at the words and letters, memorizing their shapes. Each page, slowly. It didn’t take him long to notice that they repeated themselves. I can learn… He smiled.

Soon, though, as he flipped through the books, he found himself growing tired. It had been a long, draining day, and the next thing he knew, he was out. For once, he didn’t have nightmares of the pirates beating him. For once, it was a pleasant dream of books and warmth.

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Nov 6, 2020 4:58 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone smiled up at Lucas. “The woman was sad for many reasons but these songs represent us,” she spoke in a whisper as she looked down to all of the sleeping children. “Whenever I saw the moon I wanted to be free. I had been tortured for many years, Lucas. Sometimes I didn’t get to see the moon. There were times when all I could see was the moon overhead but it was kept from me by a barrier of water. You and I are very different in that light I suppose. You like the water don’t you?” He smelled like the sea.

“To be honest,” and this would hurt Lewis since she never told him but she was trying to bond with this kid. “I drowned for three hundred years at the bottom of a lake. Because I wouldn’t give a man what he wanted and I completely understand why you are so scared of me. Heaven knows if I wasn’t so stubborn that I would… be scared of Lewis. I wasn’t much older than you when the fey lord stalked me and did horrible things to me.”

She patted the seat next to her. “I won’t hurt you. The little ones make it so I can’t move anyways.” Mira had climbed into her lap with Fiori and she was just cuddling them while rocking the cradle with the two babies in them.

“Do you like to read? I have lots of books. I saw you watching me read the story.”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Fri Nov 6, 2020 4:53 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Lucas was entranced almost immediately when he walked in on the story. He had missed the first part, bit hearing Simone talk of this world, an escape from the one that they lived in. A book. It was something he had seen a lot of, but pirates had been barely interested in them and he had never had a chance to read. He wanted to know more, but she put the book down and started to sing to the children instead.

At first, the boy was severely disappointed. He wanted to know more, how the character was going to make his daring escape from the villain. But, as the motherly woman started to sing, and at once Lucas’ face lit up. Her voice carried such a wonderful tone, and it seemed to tell it’s own story versus the one in the book.

The song was of a woman who stared at the moon. It was pretty, but the way that Simone was singing made it seem like the woman was sad. But why? He wanted to know more. Why was the woman sad? Why was she staring at the moon? He wanted more, and warily moved closer to listen.

As Simone finished the lullaby, Lucas inched just a tad bit closer, but still far enough that he could make a break for it if the scary bird woman tried to lunge at him. “Why….was the woman so sad?” he asked. “Was it because of the moon?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Nov 6, 2020 4:34 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone sighed a bit and nodded, He’s scared of women. That’s not anything we can fix in a night dear. I don’t hold it against you. We can make up for it later. If anything Simone was very good about being understanding.

“The missus is currently gathering the children for storytime in the family room not that far. She says you are welcome to join them but otherwise you are free to explain the castle. The only places off-limits are her and the master’s bedroom and the basement for now,” the butler informed Lucas.

The lady of the house had gathered the children down in the family room. Mira was sitting with her legs crossed with a big smile on her face. At first, there was reading and Simone was very good at shifting her tones to change it for the different characters. Fiori was in her arms looking at the pictures as Simone showed.

After a bit when Simone noticed Fiori starting to doze. “I have a new idea.” That was when Simone started to sing. Her voice carried throughout the house. Even the babies had their little peepers begin to drift. This was good. She liked them all together like this. She was singing lullabys for them.

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Fri Nov 6, 2020 4:26 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

It took Lewis a bit of time to calm Lucas down, but when he was finally done, the assassin threw the boy into the bathroom with a bath already drawn and ready.

Lewis crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, waving his hand. “Get on with it. We don’t have all day. The faster you clean yourself, the faster you can get some food and we can figure out what’s going on.”

Lucas timidly stripped down, and got into the water. At first it stung, and the scents were overpowering. He winced as the waters hit his wounds, but after a few moments it started to feel nice. He settled in, and let the warmth soak into his bones. This was, perhaps, the first time he had ever bathed in something so relaxing. He could honestly sleep in here. Now that he was adjusting, the smell wasn’t quite so bad. It was calming.

“Mint,” Lewis said as he reminded the boy he was still here. “And parsley, but that’s a little harder to smell.” The assassin sighed. “Simone grew those.” The boy tensed. “Oh for the love of…” Lewis sighed. “Boy, calm down.”

“Lucas,” he said as he sank down into the bath, blowing nervous bubbles. “My name is Lucas…”

“Okay then, Lucas,” the assassin said, getting a little annoyed. “Please hurry up your bath. I don’t exactly have all day. I have a job to get to this evening, and I’d like to spend at least SOME time with my family before I leave…”

The leviathan sighed, “Fine….” He went about his business, and when he was finished he was given a set of rather loose fitting clothes, and followed Lewis down to the dining hall. The moment he set eyes on Simone, he tensed once more. “Her. And four maids….five total.”

“What…are you going on about?” Lewis asked, glancing over.

“The women. You have five I can count. That’s five to avoid…”

Lewis rolled his eyes. Simone…what….the fuck. He gave her a look. What was he supposed to do in this situation? At least she was out of the way. I’m sorry. Rain check on the family date? He felt bad, but this was an extenuating circumstance. I’ll try to drag it out of him. I’ll take care of Everett if he wakes up before I leave.

It took some coaxing, but Lewis managed to get Lucas to sit at the table. The boy practically inhaled the food he was given, almost choking, scrambling to get a glass of water in before returning to the meal. Finally, Lucas settled in his chair, and burped.

“Manners,” Lewis said as he leaned forward, arms up on the table. “Now, Lucas….let’s have a chat.”

Lucas bolted up in the chair, suddenly worried. “Don’t….don’t eat me?”

“We’re not going to eat you,” Lewis said with a sigh. “We’re an orphanage of sorts…” He cleared his throat. “I’m…assuming those pirates aren’t your family.”

“Fuck no,” Lucas exclaimed.

“Language,” he replied half-assed. “Well…you can stay here if you want. Or we can arrange a ride to Benin.” The assassin was genuine, even if he didn’t seem so.

Lucas looked down. He was struggling to reconcile the fact that all he had ever known was pain and abuse from the pirates. But to suddenly be thrust here? With the crazy bird lady? He would rather the pirates. Yet, something was telling him to stay. “Can….I think about it?” A life here…could be something, but he didn’t have enough information.

Lewis nodded. “Plenty of time. No rush. But…I do need to get going,” he said, standing up. “Just…stay in the house for now. You can give us your answer later.” He walked out of the room rather unceremoniously, leaving Lucas alone.

“So…” He looked to the butler. “….how…..is the weather here?”

“Wonderful, young master,” the butler replied.

Lucas glanced back down. “Well…now what…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Nov 6, 2020 3:55 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Simone rushed over to get Alshaya before she could cry, “There, there. Mommy has you. Mommy knows that sometimes Daddy doesn’t smile~” She teased Lewis.

“Bird lady?” Simone looked up from Alshaya. “I don’t eat little boys that’s bad for my health.” Lewis scolded her and Simone huffed a bit. “I didn’t know he was there. I was just protecting Mira. What would you have had me do? A small phoenix wouldn’t have scared the pirates away.”

Simone was disappointed and hurt by the kid’s reactions to her. So she waited and eventually they shuffled the kids into the house. With Alshaya in a wrap on her and Everett sleeping, Simone had managed to get a whole tray of food and she waited at the door a long way away from where Lucas was. She didn’t even look at him. “Lewis, I brought food. It should still be warm. I wasn’t sure what he would like so I got a little bit of everything.”

Alshaya made cute baby noises and Simone smiled down at her. “I have to go find the wet nurse. I think Alshaya is hungry.” Simone gave Lewis a kiss before she took off.

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Wed Nov 4, 2020 6:01 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Lucas was terrified. All at once, a giant black and blue FLAMING bird came from literally nowhere, scattering the attacking pirates and yelling at them that he, Lucas, belonged to her. That in itself was terrifying. It it was between a giant flaming bird or the pirates, well, at least the pirates weren’t going to eat him alive.

And then the little girl called her ‘Mama’. What the hell crazy island did he land on. At once, the bird swooped down and scooped both of them into its talons, and immediately Lucas felt as though this were the end. He was wishing that he had, indeed, died in his fall. Or maybe he had. Maybe this was the Gods cruel hellish landscape that he was living through.

“Oh please, Gods, I’m so sorry! I have no idea what I’ve done to deserve this, but please…I’ll do anything!” The boy heard the strange girl and bird exchange words, which only sealed the fact that she was, indeed, on the monster’s side. All hope was lost. Until, suddenly, he was dropped near a small garden, where there was a silver haired man tickling a baby boy who was laughing and giggling.

“What took you?” the silver haired man asked as the bird turned into a fully grown, hauntingly beautiful woman. “Alshaya prefers you over me…see look, she’s about to cry.”

Lucas scrambled away from the garden, trying to put some distance between the crazy bird lady and him. “Please bird lady I didn’t mean to offend please don’t eat me of for the love of the Gods please don’t eat me!” he rambled. The boy was absolutely terrified of her, and it could be seen in his eyes. He was shaking, unable to move and farther than where he had gone, and he was cowering.

“Ah hell, Simone…you really should take it easy with the giant phoenix thing…” the silver haired man said as he sat up, leaving the babies. The boy seemed a disappointed that the man left, but was quickly appeased when the dark skinned girl, Mira, went over to entertain him.

The man knelt down next to Lucas, but held a dead looking stare. “Don’t worry…she’s not going to eat you. She’s harmle-” the man paused. “Well…she won’t hurt you. I promise. My name is Lewis…what’s yours?” Despite his almost murderous stare, this Lewis guy seemed mostly okay.

“L-Lucas…” the leviathan replied shakily.

“Well Lucas…” he stood up. “I think you could use a meal and a bath. And then we can have a talk, all right?” He motioned for someone to come by, and a butler came. Lewis spoke with him, and the man nodded, and left. Lewis held out his hand. “Here, you can join us over by the table.”

Lucas shook his head, pointing at Simone. “N-no…I…I won’t….won’t go near her…she’ll eat me.”

Lewis rolled his eyes, and looked to Simone. “You mind handling the kids for a while? I need to…take care of this kid…he’s outta his mind.

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Nov 4, 2020 5:30 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

“Estas viva!” Mira’s eyes lit up as she tugged on him. “Nosotras debemos jugar!” Unfortunately, cannon fire caught her attention and she got in front of Lucas and put her arm up, “Mi amigo del cielo!” Her magic was about to surge when… Someone else caught notice.

Simone was about to pick Alshaya up for snuggles when she got the worst feeling imaginable. It was the cannon fire that brought her back. Her eyes filled with panic. “MIRA!” What had that girl done now?

Her body engulfed in ethereal blue and black flames as her phoenix form showed itself. She became larger and larger until she was the size of a house. Her song filled the air with panic as she flew towards where she sensed Mira and heard the cannon fire.

Her eyes lit up azure as she connected with Lewis letting him see this new boy and the pirates. She dive-bombed the pirate ship but didn’t attack as she spread her wings. They were close enough to almost dock now. “LEAVE THIS ISLAND AT ONCE!” Her angry voice tore through the skies and some of the pirates fell back as the saw the terrifying bird of death.

“MAMÁ!” Mira yelled, “Estás siendo rescatado. Please not resist.” They had been working on her common after all. She was smiling up at Lucas now. There was a cannon shot at Simone who dived at the airship grabbing the cannon with her talons. She was big enough to rip it entirely from the ship.

“I SAID LEAVE. THE BOY BELONGS TO ME NOW! GO! BEFORE I SEND YOU TO THE AFTERLIFE!” The pirates either managed to go overboard for the mainland of Benin or get the airship to move. They stopped their advances.

The bird turned towards the children and her eyes softened. She caught both of them with her talons. “Mira, what have I said about causing trouble? Or did you?”

“Save. Sky. Friend.” Mira said to answer her mother’s question. There was a chuckle as Simone soared across the island.

She dropped the children in the tea rose garden near the others and transformed back. “That took a lot out of me,” Simone stumbled a bit and sat down. “You are safe now… For now anyway.”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Wed Nov 4, 2020 5:18 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

Lucas wasn’t sure why, but he felt as though he were safe. At least for the moment. It was the most calm he had felt in a long time. Was this what death was? He welcomed it. After the hell he had been through, and all the pain and suff-

He winced as a finger poked his cheek. What a wonderful death this wou-

Another poke. Another wince.

Lucas groaned. The pain was returning. His bones ached from where he hit the water, and he was pretty sure his back was bleeding pretty badly. But he was alive. The pain at least meant that much.

Another poke.

Lucas’ eyes fluttered open, revealing his assaulter to be a small, strange looking staring at him with the utmost intrigue. The boy stared back at her, his cerulean eyes watering. “I’m alive. You’ve got to help me! No…you’ve got to run!” The pirates. They would tear this girl and her family apart. It wasn’t fair to them. Maybe if he was quick enough, he could-

There were sounds of cannon fire off in the distance, and a rallying cry. The color from Lucas’ face drained. They were already here. That fast? Whatever the issue had been with their engine had not deterred them in the slightest. He could see a large castle in the distance, but it didn’t seem like the place to have fortifications against attacks like this.

“I can…” He tried to stand up, but immediately fell back down into the coarse sand. “I can try to reason with Lady Sylvia. Maybe….maybe if you just…” But no. He knew better. The crazy woman wouldn’t bat an eye against Lucas’ argument. After all, what crazy rich kind of people lived on this island with a castle?

What was worse, was the realization that after they were done looting and pillaging, and whatever dastardly things they had planned, it was back to the same old for Lucas. It was unavoidable. His eyes hazed over. “I really…can’t escape this can I?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Nov 4, 2020 5:01 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

The family was having a picnic outside in the tea rose garden that had finally finished. “AHHH!” Simone yelled with laughter as Fiori popped open her mouth for Lewis to feed her. She had grown attached to the bonding moments she had with her parents. Simone had both the babies in front of her and they were wiggling. Alshaya was so much smaller than Everett.

She wasn’t emotionally able to respond just yet but she knew Lewis and Simone’s voices. Her little eyes were the cutest shade of pink as they darted between Simone’s laughter and Lewis’s amusement. The mama looked down at Everett and covered her eyes. “Where did Mama go? THERE SHE IS!” she came down and kissed Everett’s belly as he let out a bunch of laughter.

These were happy times.

Meanwhile, Mira was adventuring on the island. “Amiga del cielo!” She yelled as she ran towards the ocean. The water formed around her as she darted out. “Amiga del cielo!” Mira clutched him in her paws as the water

Getting him up on shore the little girl poked his cheeks, “Amiga del cielo? Despierta! Quiero jugar!” Maybe she should show her parents!

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Wed Nov 4, 2020 4:49 PM, Post Subject: A Fish Out of Water [p/r]

What a terrible day it had been. The skies were rough, but not as rough as the beatings that happened for his failure the night before. The scolding was usually bad, but this time he had failed to kill any of the survivors of the wreckage on the Nyella. That was something that, to his mistress, was unacceptable. She was ruthless on the best of days, but this time her plunder was far less than she had expected, and she was taking it out on Lucas.

And so the Pirate Lord Sylvia beat him as they traveled the skies. She tied him to the mast, and let her crew each have a go with the floggers, merciless torturing the young man. He had failed them, and worse, the debt he owed them was now greater than ever. Time passed, and soon the boy was left alone, still unable to move from the mast. His back was bleeding, and they had torn the shirt he was wearing. Lucas doubted he would be granted another, even if he begged.

The green haired youth felt the airship descend. They had found the next place to land. Lady Sylvia had mentioned a wealthy new trade route that had sprung up in the area to Benin, and set her sights on it. She would have been a fool not to. It was on a giant lake, and she knew competition would be nonexistent. After all, it was quite rare to find sky pirates who had a leviathan on their side.

However, something went wrong. There was a sudden scrambling aboard, and Lucas found himself being untied for an all hands on deck scenario. Something was wrong with the magitek engine, and without warning, the airship bucked as a small explosion, and the young leviathan found himself launched in the air.

Everyone else was too preoccupied to notice the poor by fall off the ship. He was too weak from the beatings, too dazed to do anything to try and save himself. Even a creature of the sea such as himself could do nothing as he slammed into the water, and blacked out.

What a terrible day it had been….