ROLEPLAY HQ - call-of-the-depths

TW: Violence, slight gore, sexual themes (more to be added if needed)

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He finished lifting the anchor as they left the docks. It’d been a long time since he’d seen land, I’d probably be a while until he saw it again so he looked over the townscape. After a few minutes of sailing he decided to sit back, he was hoping that they would make it to the cove before sun down but he doubted it would happen. As they approached the rocky terrains of where he last saw his mother, he scoped the area. He paid close attention to the crew on deck aswell, sirens would be lurking and probably already knew they were there. He’d set up a simple plan, he’d raid the shipwreck and find his mothers amulet somewhere in the rubble and take whatever treasures were left behind. He just had to find a way to avoid the sirens. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

Axenus knew from the start when the human ship had entered their territory. He had been laying on one of the smaller rocks cliffs, watching the ship getting closer and closer as the sun was already gone behind the horizon, turning the mild evening sky in a dark purple. As the ship approached him closer, he slipped back into the water so the humans wouldn't be set alert as he swam towards them under the water's surface of the calm sea. He didn't fear nor did he feel the cold of the water which had surrounded him since the moment he'd opened his deep blue eyes. With his strong black tail that replaced the legs of humans from the waist down he shot through the cold water of the sea, towards the ship, his prey. Besides the fact that the ship was heading into their territory, the rocky terrains surrounding his home were the ideal hunting grounds. Ships weren't just able to rush through without slowing down, which gave sirens the perfect opportunity to strike. He swam close up to the sides of the ship, barely remaining under the surface to observe the railing of the deck for a moment before slowly sticking his head out of the water, hiding his long sharp teeth and claws to appear as human as possible for now though he wasn't able to hide his fin like ears under his loose white hair. He listened for a moment to the buzzing sounds of the humans on deck before his lips split and began to sing… "Upon once summer's morning, I carefully did a stray Down by the Walls of Wapping, where i met a sailor gay Conversing with a bouncing lass, who seemed to be in pain Saying William, when you go, I feel you will never return again" His voice rang deep and beautiful through the air of the ship, clearly audible for every member of the crew to hear. Axenus himself had heard this particular song many times, often sung by the sailors themselves.

05:53

He did not completely understand the meaning of it, but it had to be a song of mourning, something that had to remind him of home, something familiar. Soon every pathetic human on this ship would be under the spell of his siren's song, unable to withdraw their senses from his deadly lullaby… "My heart is pierced by Cupid I disdain all glittering gold There is nothing can console me But my jolly sailor bold…" @duckielight

The sound echoed through the air, Lucian knew what the sound was immediately. He acted quickly pulling back up the anchors, ordering everyone to monitor eachother. He knew how sirens would pick off their victims ones by one, it was better to catch it before someone fell off board, as he tugged the rope up he heard a voice coming from behind him. “Lucian! Jacks caught!” he turned his head to see a few men trying to pull back one of the newer crew members. He cursed under his breath before handing the rope to the man “Keep pulling that up.” he ordered. He dashed to the main deck but he was too late, Jack jumped off the railing into the deep blue ocean. No man left behind, it was almost as if his mother was whispering to him. “Fuck.” he stripped off his vest and dove in. The cold water shocked his system but it didn’t stop him. He made a beeline towards Jack who was being pulled by a dark figure behind some rocks, he prepared as he yanked out his knife from the holster. As he approached the rocks he wielded the knife tightly, preparing for the worst. He was quickly running out of air and needed to hurry. He swiftly swung out from a corner, immediately seeing the siren that took his friend. He swing his knife, cutting the hip of the siren, shocking him. He grabbed his friend and swam with him up to the surface, breathing deeply. They both climbed up the roles of the boat, making it back onto the deck. The crew tended to both of their wounds and Lucian immediately looked over the boards railing, seeing if he could spot the siren. “We need that siren.” he muttered under his breath. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

As Axenus began to sing, he noticed how the humans broke out into a rumble, a common behavior of humans which wouldn't save them from his deadly serenade. Not much later he heard a slow pair of steps getting closer to the rail until a young man peeked over the railing, his big eyes immediately locked onto him. "His hair it hangs in ringlets, his eyes as black as coal My happiness attend him wherever he may go From Tower Hill to Blackwall, I'll wander, weep and moan All for my jolly sailor, until he sails home" The grip of his siren song had already penetrated the man's weak mind, his prey now spellbound to his lips, willing to sacrifice everything to Axenus to be united with him. "You must be an angel" he heard the man whisper as he started to climb over the railing, fully giving into his deepest desires, only to be held back by multiple sailors who tried desperately to hold the now fighting and kicking man down as he shouted and pleaded to be let go. "My heart is pierced by Cupid I disdain all glittering gold…" Axenus swam a bit backwards, gently smiling at the man and opening his arms for a warm embrace towards the boy who already fought so desperately to join him in the ocean. His voice was now filled with more determination, luring the boy more eagerly into the arms of death. He watched his face as it filled with despair while watching the siren slowly backing off from the ship. "There is nothing can console me But my jolly sailor bold…" With the end of this verse the man managed to break free from the man's grip, jumping off the railing with no hesitation towards the cold deep sea, towards Axenus' open arms. As soon as the man's body landed in the water Axenus lunged at him quickly, gently smiling at the fully entranced and clueless man before digging his now growing nails into the man's wrist and pulling him down with him.

14:36

He watched the boy's smile turn into an expression of sheer horror as he saw Anexus now long sharp teeth and claws, his cheeks puffing up like a pufferfish as he started to ring for air. Axenus was delighted seeing his victim so suffering and helpless. As soon as he would've gotten some distance between him and the ship he would end this man's life with his bare hand tearing through the man's chest to brutally rip out the still beating heart. But unfortunately for Axenus, he didn't get that far as he noticed the human who was diving after him a second too late. The other human had buried his dagger into the left side of his hip too quickly. Axenus let out an animalistic high pitched scream at the sudden pain, making him let go of his prey. Taking one last fierce look at the human who had just wounded him, he bared his long teeth in a snarl before diving down into the sea, vanishing in between the underwater rocks. He couldn't hold this pace for too long though, the wound on his hip was too deep. Axenus would need a place to rest, but not in the dark sea. His blood would draw other predators to him, a sign of his own weakness not just for him to know, but the other sirens of his pack. After he brought some distance between him and the ship he broke the surface to the water, finding himself in a cave between two large rocks. With one hand on his wound he dragged himself to a more shallow sandy part of the bench between the two rocks, his tail nervously flapping on the partly dry land while still being mostly covered in water. He took a few deep breaths, hissing at his aching wound. It would take some time to heal a wound that deep, so he just sat in between this open rock formation, pressing his claw on the open wound. Soon a few seagulls started to gather around Axenus, their cries and chittering making him growl at the curious birds.

14:36

Finally he had enough. Exhausted and hungry he grabbed one of the more curious seagulls that had gotten a bit too close with his long claws, digging into the bird's flesh and bringing it up to his mouth to rip the bird open with his bare teeth. After the cries of the seagulls around him went silent, he began tearing off claws full of feathers off the bird. Soon he began to feast on the dead creature to regain some of his strength, his chest and face now covered in a mix of the red blood and white feathers, a desperate and humiliating meal for a proud and skilled hunter like him. @duckielight

He’d ordered the crew to bring the anchor back down, he wanted that siren. It would be the only way to make it to the shipwreck without alerting any other sirens. He was sitting on the deck, making sure that Jacks wounds were cleaned and tended to. That’s when he saw the flock of seagulls flying overhead a more rocky area, he eyed the area seeing more and more come by, till all of them stopped and flew away. “Siren..” he muttered under his breath. “Drop a row down.” he ordered some of the other crew. “I need two of you to come with me to get this fucker.” he put his hair back up in a bun. “It’s time to catch a siren.” he grinned at the other crew members, who looked at him as if he were crazy. When the row boat was released, they jumped on, immediately making their way toward the small cavern. It must be injured, or at least a little incapable of running away. He turned a corner to get a view of the sandy area, there it was. He cringed at the sight of the dead seagull and all the blood surrounding the thing. “Go in from the other side, we’ll be able to get to it quickly and quietly, he’ll know we’re there when we land so hurry.” Their boat made it to the other side of the small island, they circled around the cave on both sides, not wasting any time to make the siren suspect they were there. “Now!” one of the men threw a net across the corner of a rock, another ran towards the siren, rope in hand. He managed to pull him onto the ground on his back, before we wrapping the rope around him, he was stuck. They loaded him onto the boat, making their way back to the main ship. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

Axenus was wounded, weak and exhausted as his teeth tore the dead creature in his claws apart. He already felt the light tingling sensation of his wound closing, but it was still deep. He needed more time to rest while at the same time, he was infuriated. Never before had a human managed to wound him like this. Had he grown weak? While he was occupied with his meal in his weakened state, he overheard the quiet footsteps of the humans approaching until it was too late. The human ambush caught Axenus off guard. The fact that the humans had dared and managed to find him in this cave surprised him, but now it wasn't the time. He let out a loud snarl and hissed as the heavy net made out of thick ropes got thrown over him. He tried to tear the net apart, to rip it with brutal force, his black tail whipping through the air in an attempt to get into deeper water, away from the shallow waters. As Axenus threw a hissing fit he let out one of his paralyzing high pitched screams in an attempt to defend himself, but his wound started to scream at him immediately. He eventually failed when another human threw himself at him, pinning him down as he managed to tie his arms together, his wound now burning and aching. He hissed, baring his teeth and attempted to bite after the men that surrounded him, to push them away with his powerful tail but his injury had robbed him from all his energy. When all the strength had left him the humans managed to carry Axenus into their small boat, supposedly making their way back to the ship. He glared at the human, his teeth still barred in a snarl. After some time on the boat, out of the water, Axenus felt himself growing weaker. Suddenly a wave of burning pain shot through his body, making him groan and writhe in agony as his tail began to split into 2 in a very disturbing way.

04:53

His scales disappeared slowly, slowly growing back into his skin and so did the fins on his tail, arms, and back. The marks on his body that had wound up his chest from his tail started to disappear as well. His ears got replaced with a slightly pointier human pair, his claws grew to a quite shorter length while still keeping some of its sharpness, as did his teeth. Axenus only realized what had happened to him after the pain had ended, leaving him breathless and powerless on the boat. He looked down the side of its body in disgust. He was now human. @duckielight

After loading the boat with the now human looking person, they kept him in the shackles and rope, tugging him towards the back door of the deck, Lucian’s office. The crew members eyed the siren, looking him up and down as they all fell quiet. The only sound was muted whispers under the sound of crashing waves on the boat. After they removed him from the public area, they sat him in a chair, making sure to keep him away from any windows or doors. Lucian sat in his desk chair, letting the men tie the siren down, tight. He formed an almost sinister grin, “There’s no use struggling, you’re stuck.” he sat back up and approached the chair, crouching in front of Axenus. “If you agree to keep out of trouble and stop resisting, we’ll tend to your wounds. If not we could always allow you to bleed out and starve.” he looked sternly at the siren. “Now..” he stood back up and circled around the tied up Axenus. “My apologies for not introducing myself, Lucian, captain of this boat.” he grinned again, this was going to be fun.

05:41

@MJ'oras Mask🎭

After his body had transformed into one of a weak human, the other man got him carefully out of the net after putting on some heavy metal shackles on his arms and his upper body tied together with a rope. Although Axenus didn't usually care much for his skin to be exposed, the wind somehow felt now colder on his wet body and skin and although he tried to fight the humans, he couldn't deny that he didn't mind the way they had wrapped him in a piece of fabric as he got tugged onto the main ship. He was barely able to walk, mainly because he never had to before. When he first got dragged onto the main deck his knees immediately hit the ground. His legs felt heavy, clunky compared to his elegant and strong tail with whom he was able to swim for days through the depths of the sea. Unable to stand up straight the two men grabbed him by both of his sides on the arm, dragging him behind the man who appeared to be their leader. He growled at the two men, showing them that they shouldn't touch him but they didn't care. Although he tried to fight against them, it was useless. They held him tight, partly carrying him across the deck with all the eyes of the crew on Axenus. While glancing fiercely back at the humans, his teeth bared, his knees were now bloody as well as he got dragged in a rather fast pace towards a door. To Axenus, this whole walk was absolutely humiliating, exposing him as weak and vulnerable, captured by his own prey. When he got tied to the chair in the cabin his fierce dark blue eyes were only focused on the captain who introduced himself as Lucian. His words were merely a provocation for him. He didn't think of following orders or obeying commands from someone, especially not from a human. "Pathetic human." He spat these words with a deep rumble in his chest, the wound on his side still aching and screaming. He was going to kill this man, for the humiliation, for his wound, for his mere existence he was now craving revenge. @duckielight

He snarled at the response, before going back to a small smile. “I wouldn’t be saying that to someone who has full control on whether you live or die right now.” He approached Axenus and swiftly grabbed his chin making him look at Lucian. “Now..” he looked directly into his eyes, “Let’s try that again, huh?” he released the sirens chin and backed up to sit on his desk. “I’m in charge here, you’re either going to die here or you can help me.” he tilted his head. His gaze pierced straight through the siren, cold. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

Axenus bared his teeth, hissing at Lucian as he'd grabbed his chin to forcefully meet the human's piercing gaze. He watched him with keen eyes as he settled back on his desk. The human was reeking of confidence. One more reason that made Axenus want to rip open his throat right now at the spot. "I don't bow to anyone." He growled at the human. "Your empty words don't frighten me. Why should I help a weak human like you?" His voice was cold, filled with tension as he spat those words in disgust. @duckielight

His smile dropped, putting his thumb and index finger to his temple. This was starting to get annoying, “Do you want to die?” he snarled, “Or maybe I won’t kill you here, maybe I’ll humiliate you to everyone in this ocean, show them how weak you are until you break.” he walked to the back of the chair, taking back out the knife that sliced Axenus’ hip just an hour prior. He held it to his throat. “Now..” he lowered to whisper into his ear “You either help me or become my next show, you choose.” the knife was starting to slowly break skin the harder he pressed. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

Axenus' eyes widened only slightly at Lucians now more fitting threat. He knew that the human wasn't playing as he whispered the last words into his ear, the blade of his knife slowly pressing against his throat. It made Axenus even more furious. Furious that he had no other choice but to obey if he wanted to live or just not to die such a shameful death. "Fine." He hissed at Lucian, glancing at him cold from the side, waiting for his reaction on his indirect agreement to help. @duckielight

He nodded his head, releasing Axenus from his hold. He put the knife back in its holster on his hip, making sure Axenus saw the shiny blade engraved with the words 'Bonny' flashig in the light coming from the small window behind him. He sat back down in his office chair, leaning into the desk. "See? Not so hard, huh?" he propped his boots onto the desk, leaning in his chair. "Now, lets talk techincality." he pulled out parchment paper from his desk drawers, facing it towards Axenus. It had a layout of a boat, a boat that seemed quite familiar to Axenus. "This is my mothers ship, it still has some things in it that I need. Unfortunatly, you and your people have inhabited that area, they've taken some of the things but there is one thing that I need that I know they havent got to." he held out a key, it was small. "An amulet my mother owned, I need it and it's locked in a box at the center of the ship, in her old office." he placed the key on the blueprints of the ship. "That's where you come in." he grinned. "Shouldn't be too hard, as long as you don't get us killed." he bit his bottom lip as he looked at the paper, "It'll take some time to plan out, but you'll be fine waiting, won't you?" he grinned as he looked back up to the siren. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

Just from taking a look at the plans, Axenus immediately recognized which ship Lucian was referring to. It was with one of the biggest ships of his home, a part of their gathered building of all the shipwrecks that his pack had either found or sunk themselves. Of course he didn't plan on actually helping this human on reaching his pathetic goal. He'd sink this ship along with every single member of this crew, returning to his pack with their hearts as proof of his strength but he had to be a bit more patient. He'd enjoy every single bit of his sweet revenge. "Free me and I will wait" Axenus replied coldly while staring Lucian down. These ropes that bound him to the chair slowly started to hurt. @duckielight

He stood still, looking down at the siren. He was skeptical, “Of course.” he took the ties from the chair off, standing him up. He was still tied up but no longer to the chair, Lucian helping him up. He guided him to a below deck area, some living quarters for the few crew mates. He also grabbed Jack to come help guard the siren. They eventually got to the back room which was only Lucian’s. The room was fairly barren other than a few paintings scattering the walls, there were no windows but it looked like a fairly normal bedroom for a ship. Lucian opened a dresser filled with clothes, pulling out some slacks and a white blouse-type shirt. “Get dressed, we have things to discuss.” Lucan left the room but Jack stayed to monitor what the siren was doing. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

This time when Axenus got dragged his feet again he was already better with keeping his balance and he was almost able to walk on his own as they made their way through the living quarters. The few men that were in the quarters were staring at him with distrust, whispering to each other as he passed. He raised an eyebrow as his prey, the boy who's weak mind had been so easily pierced by his siren song, got called by the captain as he would acquire more assistance with keeping an eye on him. The boy was glaring at him all tensed up, which Axenus only replied with a mild scoff and a small grin as they made their way into Axenus' supposed quarters. How kind of the capitain to confront the boy after such a short time again with his predator. He gave Lucian a last glance over his shoulder as he left, leaving him alone with the boy. "The ropes" Axenus gave the boy a piercing cold glance over his shoulder before nodding shortly towards the ropes that bound him. Even in his human form he'd be able to overwhelm the boy, but not in his weakened state with his wound still being untreated. He had no intention to escape. Not for now. This revenge was his and his alone. @duckielight

Jack nodded hastily, he hadn’t been on the ship long. Maybe 2 months, he was still getting used to the whole thing. Given the job to look over Axenus, it was his first big job. He went behind Axenus and cut the ropes that binded him, including the ones at his ankles. After, he stepped back, letting him get dressed. “We should probably go talk to Lucian, he’s waiting for you.” he was nervous, it was apparent. He walked Axenus across the deck, back to Lucian’s office. Lucian was sitting at his desk, this time he had his glasses on. “Jack, you’re dismissed. I’ll call you when I need you.” Jack nodded and left the room quickly. He discussed small plans, how long he would be on the ship. “You’ll be here for the next month before we even try doing anything, we need to trust that you won’t go against us.” he sat up and took his glasses off, “You’ll be on crew as a member but luckily for you, you’ll be in one of our special rooms for a while.” he walked out of the room motioning for Axenus to follow him, they walked back down to the living quarters. A room right next to Lucian’s, it locked on the outside but not on the inside. The inside was fairly barren, no windows but a bed and a desk. There was a burner lamp on the desk that was already lit, “Hope you don’t mind the barrenness of it. This used to be our cell, but now it’s your room.” he smiled at him, sarcastically almost. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

He could smell the boy's fear as he cut Axenus loose from his ropes, giving him back the freedom to act on his own. For now he would not flee or kill him. He stayed with his back turned on the boy, dropping the loose clothing that had covered him before slowly changing into the open white frilly blouse and slacks along with some higher boots. The boy's nervousness and fear amused him as he followed the human along back to the captain's cabin with his body being almost completely accustomed now to his legs. For his revenge he would play along, playing with his oblivious prey just a bit longer. Lucian sat behind his table as he entered. As he was talking Axenus was watching him with a cold stare. He would've loved to rip his throat open when he motioned him to follow him like an obedient dog to show him his new room, but for now he played along. "It is still a cell." Axenus replied cold as he glanced into his new room and he wasn't wrong. He was not necessarily trapped on the ship since he could flee anytime, but returning to his kin like this would mean his demise. His wound started to act up as well, pulling and burning in his side. Axenus hissed almost unnoticeable as the pain filled his side, bringing his hand up to his hip with small drops of blood slowly starting to soak into his blouse. He could not return into the sea like this. @duckielight

He noticed the blood seeping through the shirt, “My apologies, I must of forgotten.” he slowly lifted up Axenus’ borrowed shirt, he gently pressed two of his fingers on the wound, it was hot. “We’ll get you fixed up.” he escorted Axenus back upstairs, bringing him back to Jack. “I need you to stitch our guest.” Jack nodded before Lucian left, heading for his office. Jack asked Axenus to sit on a barrel before bringing out a medkit. “This is gonna hurt a bit.” he murmured before putting down a rag soaked with alcohol on his wound. It stung, but after a few seconds it simmered down. He took out a medical needle and thread and started stitching up the wound. It was obvious he was nervous. After finished that they were called for dinner, Jack escorted Axenus down to the living quarters, there were a few benches set up to eat. They just had bread and some type of soup. Lucian stayed and ate in his office, still working on blueprint plans. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

"Touch me again and I'll rip your throat open" He growled at Lucian as he had lifted up his shirt to check his wound. With his wound he followed Lucian into another cabin where again the boy already sat to treat his wounds. Axenus hissed as the boy put the in alcohol soaked towel on his open wound. After the pain was gone he watched the boy stitch the gap together. "Watch it." Axenus growled as the boy guided the needle with a shaky hand. He was already pissed from the pain of the towel, but the needle piercing his human so easily didn't hurt any less. After he was done he walked behind the boy for dinner. He was handed a watery soup, something Axenus had never had before and he wasn't pleased about it. "Is this a joke? I need food." He grumbled, glaring over at the boy who sat beside him, watching him gobble the whole bowl down. Axenus was hungry too and would've preferred to hunt his own dinner, but to his dislike, this was no option. @duckielight

Jack shook his head, “You’ll have to get used to it, you’re lucky we aren’t just eating granola and jerky.” he scarfed down the remainings of his soup before putting the wooden bowl on the floor. “Are you gonna eat that?” he pointed to the bread in Axenus’ hand. Jack was a simple guy, he was new to the crew and was just getting the hang of things. Lucian saw this as a challenge to Jack, setting him up a job while he was new would tell him if he was a reliable crew member. Jack eyed Axenus’ food. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

A low grumble sat in his chest out of disappointment and dislike when Jack told him that this was one of the best things he could get on the ship. He preferred his prey fresh as he usually hunted it himself, mostly fish or other creatures of the sea. When Jack asked him about his meal, his first instinct was to pull his bowl closer to him, shielding it with part of his arm from the boy, glaring at him as if to say My prey But after a quick moment of thinking, it might not be a bad idea to get in favor of the boy. He could provide useful information, something towards a weakness of the captain that he could use to his advantage. After rolling his eyes, Axenus handed the boy his bowl of flavored and boiled water before leaning back and tearing off a piece from the hard and dry bread with his human teeth. It was dry and rock hard, disgusting compared to his usual food that was still alive the moment he sunk his teeth into it. @duckielight

He stared at the siren cluelessly, before gladly taking the soup and chugging it. “Thank y’ mate.” he finished off the soup and put the bowl on top of his. Dinner ended, everyone was called to the decks but Axenus was called to Lucian’s office. As he entered the office Lucian was still sitting at his desk, glasses on. He had a lamp illuminating his work space, he was writing something. “Sit.” he pointed to the chair in front of the desk without looking up from the paper. After a minute or two still writing her put down his pen and took of his glasses, he looked tired. “Has your wound felt any better?” he motioned to the gash that was bandaged up. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

He watched the boy gobble down his food as well like a starving animal, thanking him happily when he was done. Axenus knew that this strategy was the right one. It seemed like he gained a little trust from the boy just through giving him some of his food. Pathetic little human, so easily to be manipulated, an easy prey. After dinner had ended one of the crew members approached him, telling him that the captain wanted to speak with him. He entered the cabin, eyes on Lucian as he was occupied with different papers. At his command to sit he just approached the desk and placed himself beside the empty chair in front, not obeying the human's orders. "Yes, but your boy is clumsy." Axenus replied distantly to his question, remembering how the boy had stitched his wound and guided the needle with a shaky hand. @duckielight

He eyed the siren, very sternly. “If you want to complain then feel free, things are just gonna get harder for you if you do.” he stood up and went to the other side of his desk, pushing the chair back a little. He circled around Axenus, and pushed him into the chair, bending down to reach his level. He could feel Axenus’ breath on his face, “I’m getting pretty tired of this attitude.” he looked him dead in the eyes just mere inches from his face. “If you don’t want to be cut up and served for our next dinner, I’d suggest you start acting right. You aren’t a passenger to this boat, you are now a crew member and you are no better than anyone else on this boat.” he spat out before backing up and flashing his knife. “If not, feel free to act up. Just know that I will gut you in front of every person on this ship.” he growled slightly. “Understood?” he sat back down at his desk. “Let’s get down some basics, I do pardon myself but you never did give me your name. I need to know it to put you on deck list chores.” he smiled, his mood changing in seconds. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

Axenus had a watchful eye on Lucian as he stood up from his desk and approached him slowly, circling him like a shark would do with his prey. In this case, as much as Axenus didn't like the thought of it, this time he wasn't the shark. His lack of balance on his feet allowed Lucian to push Axenus back into the chair which he responded with a growl, his teeth exposed in a sneer. He only let out a snarl to the question if he'd understood Lucians threat and he did. To him it was infuriating. "Axenus" He growled his name after a moment of silence between them, hating how he was able to switch between moods so easily as he leaned more into the chair now that he'd been already forced to sit down. @duckielight

He grinned at the anger coming from Axenus. “See, not so hard.” he chuckled before sitting back in his seat. “Now that we’ve been formally introduced, I’d like to set some ground rules for you.” he ruffled his hair out of his face. “I’m the captain of this ship, as you already know.” he looked back up at Axenus. “You are a crew member now, meaning you have superiority while on deck.” he smiled. “You will refer to me as captain, nothing else. You work for me, and I won’t tolerate arrogant or egotistical sirens.” he kept hard eye contact making sure Axenus was paying attention. “You may think you’re better right now, but trust me. You’ve put yourself in this situation and now, it’s time to deal with the consequences.” he laid out a paper. “Study these blueprints, and the plans. You will need to know when and where to go when the time comes to get the amulet.” he stood up and circled back around to Axenus. “Any questions?” @MJ'oras Mask🎭

After Lucian was done with his lecture, Axenus' threat of patience snapped. "The situation I have put myself into?" With those words he rose slowly from his chair, slowly approaching Lucian, speaking as he came around the desk, staring Lucian down, back in the way he did earlier, but more. His voice was dangerously calm at first, cold and sharp as a knife as he tried to hold back his anger. "You are the fool that is trying to command me…" Axenus now stood beside Lucians chair, turning it towards him to pin Lucian down with the gaze of his deep blue eyes. "...trying to bind me with rules to this ship which are not strong enough to hold me back." He growled slightly, Axenus's voice remaining deep and dangerously calm while still staying tensed up. Grabbing the captain by the collar of his shirt firmly with one outstretched arm, he slowly lifted him off his seat, slow enough that Lucian could stand up by himself as Axenus took a few steps forward with him towards the closest and empty side wall of his cabin. "I could return to the sea at any time and no one of your crew could stop me." Axenus had the captain now pinned against the wall, his arms pressed against the wood besides his head and shoulders, keeping direct eye contact as he spoke. "Be glad I haven't ripped your throat open yet." He let out a low growl as he dug both hands into the wood behind him, leaving marks inside of it, showing his strength even in human form. He bared his teeth only a bit, enough to show some of his still slightly longer and sharper canines, although not as sharp as in siren form. "Did I make myself clear?" He finally asked after a moment of silence in a calm and cold tone of voice after the breaking wood sound had stopped. It did not tolerate any backlash and his eyes were always locked onto Lucian. @duckielight

Lucian paused, letting himself be pinned against the wall. His eyes keeping a stern hold on Axenus’. He winced as the wood behind him cracked, flinching slightly and squinting his eyes. His breaths were deep, and rapid, he was scared but at the same time… he like this. He hadn’t had anyone stand up to him on the ship, he was typically the more dominant one in the ship and having someone do this was.. exhilarating? He was a small shade of pink as he looked the other direction, trying not to make direct eye contact. After his speech he nodded his head rapidly, being slightly stunned that Axenus actually acted in his anger. It humanized him in Lucian’s eyes, maybe there was more to this siren than he thought. He slipped out of Axenus’ grasp and sat back down at his desk. “I don’t-“ he paused trying to collect himself. “I don’t mean to enslave you in this ship. When I say you’re an equal to everyone else I don’t mean you’re less than you really are. I understand that you’re pissed and want to leave but I do really need your help. This means more to me than the world and, if it means us working together than so be it.” he put his glasses on and looked at the plans. He took the paper and ripped it, putting it in a trash can next to him. “We’ll work on the plans tomorrow morning, together.” he put his head in his hands. “You can sleep in the crew quarters tonight if you’d like, or you can use the cell. No one will lock it and i’ll sort out food options for you.” he looked back up at the siren. “Goodnight, Axenus.” he smiled softly, barely noticeable. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

The way Lucian nodded, the fear in his eyes, the nervousness as he tried to avoid his piercing gaze, it seemed like the human finally understood the situation he was in. He'd let him escape his grasp and let go of the damaged wall, watching Lucian as he sat back at his table and apologized in a rather soft manner of speaking. Axenus didn't understand much of human emotions or emotional bonds besides knowing how to provoke the desire of his human prey. The life in his pack was rather different. Their so called bonds were merely meant as survival and hunting in unity without adding much further depth in relationships, keeping distance between one another. Since the day sirens are born they're left by their mother to hunt and survive on their own. That way natural segregation only lets the strongest survive. If they manage to do so they can join a pack to hunt with and even the weakest in the pack will be abandoned. Axenuses' whole life had revolved around pure strength and skill. After Lucian was done talking Axenus turned his back to Lucian and left the captain's quarters with a scoff, not saying anything further. He went over to his cell, closed the door behind him and let himself drop onto the barely illuminated small bed. He needed time to think. His plan was to sink the ship all along with his crew as an act of revenge and proof to his pack that no one is to mess with him, to ultimately prove his strength. He needed to get close to the captain. He was the main reason Axenus got captured in the first place. But for now, he needed information about him, his strengths, weaknesses to ensure his own success and to make his revenge as cruel as possible… @duckielight

Lucian sighed as he left, he was exhausted. I’d been months of planning and it’d only just now been started. This was the time that he would get started with his plan, to finally get his mothers amulet. This was the last sign of respect that he could give to her before taking the reigns as captain. He loved his mother, she raised him without any help from anyone else. She was a strong woman, who taught him everything he knew about sailing. He owed his life to her, and he was planning on doing everything in his power to show that. That night he stayed up all night, thinking. He walked along the deck, the night was dead. All that was heard was the splashing of the waves against the wood, the moon illuminating the deck. He looked down to the ocean, catching a glimpse of a fish. ’Hm’ he looked over at the fishing pole and bucket close to a pillar. Might as well get started on Axenuses’ food problem. The next morning, there was a bucket of alive fish in front of Axenuses’ door. He hoped this would at least help his trust just a little bit. He monitored the deck and stayed near the wheel for any incidents and incoming ships. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

This night Axenus had barely slept. Although he didn't need much sleep anyway he still wasn't used to sleeping on one flat surface with the sound of the waves rushing against the boat. He woke up after around sunrise he sat himself up on his bed with a groan and stretched himself a bit before heading to the door. He needed to know more about Lucian in order to make his act of revenge work. When he opened the door of his cabin he noticed the bucket beside the door. The bucket was filled with water and all the fish who swam in it were all still alive. Axenus could feel his mouth water at the sight of those fish especially after that unfulfilling meal yesterday. Before even looking if anyone was watching him, Axenus grabbed the bucket and took it back with him inside his cabin, sitting back on the bed and grabbing one of the flapping fish out of the bucket. As his hand touched the water, he could feel how the nails on his hand formed back into his sharp siren claws with a buzzing feeling under his skin, making it easier to grab the slippery fish. He dug his nails deep into the fish's flesh before tearing his guts open and biting into the side of the fish with his teeth. Since his teeth had still kept some of his sharpness it was easier than expected to tear a part out of the fish's side. This meal was much better than the bread or the soup from earlier and Axenus welcomed it. Was it Lucian who had put that bucket there? If so it had probably taken him a long time. Afterall he wasn't a hunter like Axenus who was easily able to get this amount of fish in a short time. The thought made Axenus chuckle as he downed the first fish completely before grabbing another one. Why would Lucian do this for him? Axenus couldn't quite make himself a rhyme out of it besides only that it was meant to gain his trust. @duckielight

Lucian gave a few other crew members some work on deck to keep guard while he stayed in his office, working on some papers and plans for future raids. Jack had just woken up, he woke up late as usual. The crew members were already given roles, his new one was to guard the siren to make sure he behaved. He sluggishly got out of bed and walked next door, knocking on the cell door. “Hello?” he looked worriedly through the open crack in the door. He entered and stayed fairly far away from the siren, staring at the blood and fish surrounding him. “I’m guessing the gift from Lucian came in, he stayed up pretty late getting those.” he looked slightly scared but relaxed after a few seconds. “Is that-“ he paused “Are those your siren claws?” he pointed to the long sharp nails. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

When the boy entered he was surrounded by mutilated fish parts and bones, his face partly smeared with some of the blood as he looked up at the boy who had entered nervously and stood in the corner of the cabin with enough distance between them. "There is no need to be nervous. As you can see my hunger is satisfied for now." He gestured to the scattered fish parts around him. So it was true, Lucian had brought him this meal. It was indeed a nice but mildly pettiful gesture to attempt to get into his favor through food. For humans like the boy it seemed to work pretty well tho, remembering how he chugged down the watery soup. "Come closer. Take a look at them." Axenus said with a smoothness in his voice and a maild smile, as if luring his prey into his arms with his siren song. As he spoke he threw the current rest of his fish to the side, offering him his clawed hand after wiping some of the fish rest off on his already blood smeared blouse. He needed that boy. He could provide useful information on the captain for Axenus's advantage. @duckielight

He hesitantly approached the siren, taking a seat beside him. He squirmed in his seat, gripping the sheet beneath him as a mental safe guard. It was obvious he was nervous, or scared, either way he was visibly shaking. “So-“ he stuttered “So do you have.. like magic?” he questioned looking at the claws. There was some type of attraction aura that was clouding Jacks mind, he questioned why he was so attracted to the siren but he didn’t really care. “Are you gonna help Lucian get to the shipwreck? He’s been trying to for a while and this is his last ditch effort.” he muttered, trying to fill in the silence of the room. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

Axenus was amused by the way the boy was visibly shaking. He could smell his fear but in his eyes he also saw his innocent and naive curiosity and something else. A type of longing, a desire towards Axenus. It was the way his human victims looked at him before Axenus dragged them underwater. Despite his human form it seemed as if his presence still had some kind of alluring effect on his prey. Maybe he could put this effect to further use… "Well what do you think?" Axenus asked softly, leaning in just a bit closer to Jack. The truth was that even Axenus didn't know the true answer to the boy's question. He could not explain how his siren song worked nor how his body transformed and shaped to live on land or sea. "I will help your captain, but first I want to know more about him." With his gentle and comforting tone he slowly moved his clawed hand onto Jack's shoulder who was clearly paralyzed by fear and Axenus intimidating firm gaze of his deep blue eyes. As he spoke he slowly moved his hand up to the back of his neck, his claws gently touching the boy's soft hairline on his neck. "Tell me a bit about Lucian. What exactly is he planning to do once he gets this amulet?" He asked while leaning in a bit closer, almost cooing softly, gently stroking the tiny hairs on the back of his neck, letting his claws glide over them while being careful not to cut the boy. He knew how to hunt humans, how to seduce them and trick them into having feelings for Axenus without actually meaning it. For him and any other siren, this was all part of a hunt, a technique, nothing more and without actually having romantic feelings towards his prey. @duckielight

Jack sat nervously, practically trembling at this point. He was speechless, trying to conjure up words while the siren talked. “I-I’m-“ he shuddered before finishing his sentence. “I’m n-not sure I sho- should tell you t-that.” he managed to get out. The fear and curiosity beamed through his eyes, he couldn’t tell if he was intrigued or terrified but either way he liked this feeling. “Lucian would be pissed if he saw you do this..” he muttered looking away from the siren, and he was right. Lucian didn’t like relations on board, as long as any romance was left on the dock he was fine with it but he didn’t feel like dealing with pregnancy scares and drama. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

"Oh is that so? What a shame." Axenus replied with his soft and soothing voice to the few stuttered words of the boy. Despite his trembling fear, his obvious longing amused him. He'd get his answers and he already had a plan on how to make him talk. Axenus watched Jack turning his head away to avoid his gaze as he muttered something about Lucians opinion. As he muttered his words, Axenus gently directed his hand along his neck, letting his claws graze all the way along the boy's jawline until it settled on his chin, directing the boy's gaze back onto Axenus with a gentle tuck. "But your capitan isn't here now. There is nothing to see…" he cooed to Jack, pulling him slowly closer until their noses were almost touching. If he had read the boy right, he wouldn't be able to hold any longer but to close the gap between them. That was exactly what Axenus wanted… @duckielight

He paused, his pupil blown out of proportion. He refused to speak, letting Axenus lead to where he wanted to be. As soon as their noses touched there was a second, then he connected their lips. He refused to move his hands at first, still being slightly stunned. Then eventually he let his hands wander to the side of the sirens neck. He deepened the kiss, feeling obligated to in some strange way. He was under his trance, but he couldn’t tell. After a few seconds he let himself go, completely giving himself to Axenus. His mind was clouded, he would do anything for this boy. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

As soon as the boy closed the gap as expected, he held him close by his chin as he gave into this kiss, even sliding his tongue into the boy's mouth a bit, letting the boy's hands wander around his neck. Everything went according to his plan. "Now let's try that again shall we." He smiled a bit cruelly as Jack had parted from his lips, caressing the boy's cheek, watching his diluted and soft gaze rest on him, how he leaned forward against him desperate for more. He had the boy in this fragile grasp and he was certain that he would give him answers now. He was so helpless, Axenus loved to see his prey like this. Even in his human form he had some of his powers left. In order to keep the spell up he had to keep the illusion of feelings up to feed into the conviction of his Victim's minds. "Tell me about your captain." He whispered, gently stroking the boy's cheek as if talking to a small child. @duckielight

He melted in his arms, he was completely mentally moldable at this point. He muttered quietly, “I-I can’t-“ he shook his head, pulling away slightly before looking the siren in the eyes. “You’re-“ he sighed, “He wants the-“ he stuttered before going back in for another kiss. “He wasn’t the amulet because it was his mothers.” he sighed deeply while cutting himself off between pecks. “It’s a generational heirloom or something.” his eyes softened. He went on about how his mother passed in the shipwreck and was killed by a siren. “Surprised he doesn’t hate your guts.” he scoffed. “He doesn’t matter right now.” he continued. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

Besides Jack's from Lust and desire fueled kisses in between, Axenus listened closely and made sure to kiss him back passionately multiple times to ensure that he'd stay in his grasp while gently cupping his face with both of his now human hands, holding the boy's gaze. "How interesting" he cooed after Jack was done telling his little and pitiful story. Humans were so emotional. He'd never been close to his mother. Like most siren parents do it she had abandoned him at an early age in the wild sea, completely on his own. That way Axenus had to learn to survive without depending on anyone, without emotional bonds unlike those humans. His nature was part of why he didn't feel a thing as he made out with Jack sitting on his bed, as he almost in his lap. Axenus chuckled softly at Jack's last comment before the boy went in for another kiss. "Right," he said in a gentle tone, tugging one of his hairstrings behind the boy's ear while cupping his other cheek with his other hand. He had this boy completely in his grasp although his own emotions meant nothing. While Jack's heart was filled with desire and passion Axenus's was filled with a cold instinct of hunt, on high alert as a hunter should be. Axenus was able to completely hide his true intentions and emotions behind his playful way he was talking to Jack, toying with his feelings to get what he wanted. "What does your capitan plan to do after he gets his hands on this precious heirloom?" He whispered softly after going in for another slow and passionate kiss, again sliding his tongue in between Jack's lips, entwining it with his. @duckielight

He placed his hand on Axenuses’ waist mentally begging him to come closer. “I-I don’t know? It’s really va-“ he moaned slightly, it was pathetic. “Valuable, I think? He mentioned it was the reason his mother got killed. So it has something to do with sirens.” he intertwined his hands with the sirens, backing off slightly. His pupils were still blown, looked off in embarrassment. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

When Jack mentioned the amulet having connections to his kind, Axenus' full attention snapped back onto the boy. "Tell me more about this amulet." Axenus finally asked in his soothing deep voice after catching himself again, gently pulling his entwined hand closer to himself while taking the boy by the chin again, making the boy face him again to answer. His eyes were still diluted as he watched the siren with a shy blush. He was clearly embarrassed that he had given into his urges like that but Axenus knew that he had hardly any other choice. "There is no need to be shy." He pulled the boy close to him again by his chin, lifting it up to press another gentle kiss onto Jack's lips. "You can tell me everything." He added gently with a mild eagerness. He needed to know what this amulet had to do with the sirens. "I-" Jack began to mutter before suddenly, a loud BOOM split the air, followed by the sound of cracking wood. The whole ship began to rock heavily, making the confused and frightened Jack cling onto Axenus out of reflex. Immediately he pushed the boy off from him, knocking the dazed boy onto his bed, right into the remains of a fish but Axenus didn't care. Jack would forget their kiss and what he'd told Axenus. The only thing that he would be able to remember were those deep blue eyes and this warm pleasant feeling of longing and desire. Axenus got up from the bed quickly, trying to keep his balance on the ship before sprinting towards the door.

11:19

As soon as he'd stepped out of his cabin he could hear men yelling and shouting, the stomping of footsteps and the smell of something unfamiliar to Axenus in his nose, which would turn out to be the remains of black powder lingering in the air as the other massive ship came into the sirens view. With the ship rocking sideways, Axenus was only able to make it to one of the ship poles, clinging himself to it to keep his balance. "LUCIAN! WHAT IS GOING ON?" he yelled towards Lucian who stomped over the deck in a hurry, barking commands to his crew when another BOOM roared through the air, followed by a loud whistling sound and wood Crack. @duckielight

Lucian was writing down some more plans, different blueprints to solidify the mission for Axenus. Then there was the ship rocking, then a boom. “Shit!” his ink fell on the table onto the blueprints but he didn’t really care. He sprinted out to the deck and looked around seeing the chaos on deck, then he saw it. There was a slightly smaller ship attacking theirs from the left, part of the boat was hit by a cannon, luckily just on the edge. “Faster! Pick up the left wing anchor, Louis untie the sails.” he ordered more men to warm up the cannons to get them ready. He saw Axenus, and pointed to the other ship. “I think that’s the black pearl, we have some history with them.” BOOM another cannon fired, he hurrily grabbed Axenus and brought him down to the ground. The boat rocked, almost tilting. “Hurry, get to the top deck, you’ll be safe there.” he pointed to a stair way leading to a slightly higher platform that also had the capitans helm. He led him to the deck and took control of the helm, immediately turning once the main rag was set loose. The boat whipped around, just barely missing another cannon. He kept hold of the wheel, making sure it was stable. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

"What do they want?" Axenus growled at Lucian when they both found shelter in the captain's helm, hearing another shot from the "Black Pearl" hit their ship, making it rock stronger again. If this other ship was to plan to sink Lucians ship before he did he could not let this happen. Axenus wanted this revenge, wanted to find out more about this mysterious amulet and he would let no one take it from him. After a moment of thinking Axenus began to stomp towards the railing, looking down into the deep water below them, his home… @duckielight

He flipped his head over, hand still on the he helm. The ship was already going good pretty fast, so he let go of the wheel and grabbed the sirens wrist. “I need you to help us, do you think you could use your sirens song and scare away some of the other boat.” he looked terrified, and helpless. “I can get the deck to plug their ears or something, we can’t go down like this.” the commotion from behind him proved his point. They weren’t on guard because of their plans and now they were in a serious situation. Lucian needed this, he needed to win. For his mother, for his own sake, and for his crews sake. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

The boy was frightened. The oh so tough captain who managed to capture a siren like Axenus was quivering in fear and begging for his help. Lucian knew that now was the ideal chance for Axenus to abandon him and his crew, to return to his own kind and for a short moment Axenus was tempted to just do so. He could just let this ship sink here, sparing himself the work, but he did not plan on fleeing. He wanted his revenge and a saving gesture like this would gain Lucians trust in him even more. What a convenient opportunity… "If your men can't follow this simple command and go overboard, I can not guarantee their survival." Axenus mildly growled at Lucian, giving him a stern glance before tearing his wrist free from his grip and diving into the deep blue beneath the ship. As soon as the cold water had closed around Axenus's body, his body started to change, to adapt to his familiar environment, the deep and dark ocean. Axenus could feel the fin on his back tearing through the fabric of his blouse, the scales crawling out of his skin as his gills started to open on the sides of his chest. With his familiar sharp claws Axenus tore his shirt off as his pants and boots were ripped into shreds with his legs melting back together into his black shimmering long tail. Axenus was siren again, filled with the instinct to hunt, driven by rage. My prey… Once Axenus had taken a moment to breathe in the familiar water of the sea, he shot towards the "Black Pearl'' with only a few quick powerful flickers of his strong tail He broke the surface of the water, positioning himself in between the two ships to hear the men on the enemy ship yell and scream as they loaded the cannons and pointed their daggers towards Lucians ship, not paying any attention to who was approaching them from the water's below.

12:48

And so Axenus spread his arms wide and began to sing, not the longing song of the sailors that he had used before, but an old chant in a language none of the men would understand, a chant that would draw them even stronger down to him into the sea. As soon as his voice rang deep and mysterious through the air, he watched the sailors staring with wide eyes down at the siren, most of them already with this dazed and longing expression on their faces as some already began to climb over the railing to jump into the deep waters below them, to be united with Axenus, with what they all longed for. Once Axenus had finished his verse and dove down back underwater, about 10 of the men had jumped and now dove after him, their minds clouded by the siren's song. Once they were all deep enough under the surface, Axenus let out his paralyzing high pitched scream, making all the men writhe in pain before passing out and going limp. Now that all those men were unconscious, Axenus lunged for them one after one, tearing throats open with his claws, ripping hearts with his bare hands, all that while driven by primal rage, the desire to hunt and to prevent others from stealing his prey. Soon the water around was red, with the dead human corpses floating up to the surface for everyone to witness the bloody horror that was waiting for them in the depths of the sea. @duckielight

After rounding up all of the crew he ordered them to put plugs in their ears, also ordering them to stray away from the right side of the deck as to not see Axenus. “I cannot guarantee your life if you don’t follow my orders.” everyone did as he said. He steered the ship back around, since the ship was paused from the massacre that was going on below the sea. They circled around the ship, eventually connecting the sides enough to jump on the other board. Everyone on the other ship was regrouping, they’d noticed the connection of ships and some of them started jumping onto Lucian’s ship. He didn’t pay any notice to them, the crew had them covered. He jumped onto the other boat, immediately being attacked by one of the other ships crew. He’d had experience in fighting, he was trained from an early age. He dodged, sliced and ducked around swords and daggers. Anytime he’d make contact he would throw them over board while they were still weak, there were only a few crew on the ship, Axenus had taken care of half of them. After the deck was cleared Lucian looked down, seeing his white blouse turning red, he’d been cut around his stomach. One of his crew members helped him back onto the ship, he refused their help immediately going to his office. He’d learned to take care of himself at an early age, one of the downsides was rarely ever taking help from others. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

While Axenus slaughtered every human that got thrown into the water afterwards he noticed after a while how all the tumult had turned down above the surface he came up to see that the conflict had faded with no sounds or footsteps coming from the ship. He swam close to Lucians ship, taking another leap underwater before he shot out of the water, soaring through the air before landing on deck in his full siren form. With a loud thud, his heavy body landed on deck with most of the men staring at him in terror, glancing at his strong bluish shimmering siren tail as if he was about to leap at them next. When a few of the sailors tried to get near himself he only bared his teeth at them in a snarl, telling them to back off before his tail began to split into two once again. After the moment of pain was over Axenus slicked his long white hair back and turned his back to the deck as he pushed himself up on the railing onto his now human feet. Once he was on his feet he stomped over to one of the barrels which held what seemed to hold another sail and tore a huge strip out of it with his inhuman strength to cover his wet and exposed body up. He then approached one of the nearby sailors who seemed to be occupied tying a few knots onto a few leathers. "Where is the capitan?" Axenus asked coldly, the sailor now staring at him terrified. "He- he's in his cabin" the man stuttered and pointed towards Lucians cabin. Axenus didn't think of thanking the human or anything before he stomped off towards the cabin, busting the door open without knocking to find Axenus sitting on his desk, his chest exposed and bleeding. "Noone in the waters has survived" Axenus said coldly, raising an eyebrow at Lucians injury. "Pathetic human got hurt huh?" He chuckled a bit. "How deep is it?" @duckielight

He sat on the floor, in front of his desk. He’d propped himself up, pressing a cold rag onto him wound. His breaths were heavy, his hair was a curly mess, sticking to his forehead from sweating. There were already a few rags scattered around him, all of them soaked with dark red blood. He glared up at Axenus, his eyes were dark and he had this animalistic territorial look to him. “I thought you’d left.” his voice was deep and quiet, he didn’t hold the same confidence that he’d shown prior. He’d already taken off his shirt, he lifted up the rag and showed Axenus the wound. It was deep, a flesh wound, the moment he lifted the rag some blood trailed down his stomach, he pressed the rag back onto the wound. “If you’re here to ridicule me, leave it for after I heal.” he brushed his hair back out of his face. He grunted in pain, lifting himself up into his chair, the noises he was making was nothing other than suggestive but he didn’t care. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

He approached the sick looking Lucian slowly as he sat leaned against his desk, trying to stop his bleeding with a rag. "Not yet. Or don't you want my help?" Axenus asked him as he now stood in front of Lucian who had lifted himself up into the chair obviously in pain. He ignored the comment about Axenus mocking the captain as the siren lowered himself down and took the towel off Lucains wound. It was indeed deep with drops of blood still spilling from it every time he took a deep breath. Slowly Axenus kneeled down in front of Lucian, fixing his rag of sail a bit before taking a closer look at the wound. "Do not move now" Axenus said rather gently for his usual tone, putting his left hand on Lucians bare chest and holding onto his right thigh before leaning in close to his wound. As he slowly opened his mouth a long, almost dragon-like tongue slid out between his lips which now began to trace over Lucians wound slowly. The wound where Axenus tongue had touched the skin of the human would slowly start to heal and close up in front of the human's eyes with an itchy feeling. At this moment Axenus didn't care if his piece of sail had slid lower down his back. He was too focused on his actions. The secretion that covered parts of the siren's body contained a kind of substance that made their wounds heal up faster than usual to ensure their own survival in the sea. Once the wound had completely closed Axenus pulled his sail up again before again towering over Lucian. "Better?" @duckielight

He back up into his chair slightly, seeing him approach him. His hand gripped the rag on his chest, the other gripping the side of his chair. His eyes followed Axenus down as he got on his knees, trying not to breathe too deeply, it hurt. As soon as he lifted off the rag he whimpered slightly, a surprise to Axenus. His breaths were sporadic and he was worried that the siren would use this as a time to take advantage of the situation. As Axenus put his hand on Lucian’s thigh he exhaled deeply, his eyes shooting back down to the siren. He tried to stop his leg from bouncing up and down from nervousness, he felt Axenus’ breath, trying to think of what he could possibly be doing. He squeezed his eyes shut, praying the siren would bite him. As soon as he felt a warm presence on his wound he gasped and opened his eyes. He looked down and saw the snake-like tongue inching up the wound. “Fu-ah-“ he breathed heavily, his face flushed red. He felt the itchiness from the wound, but didn’t dare stop the siren. He felt the soreness faint away from his wound, he only felt a slight tingle and wetness from the tongue on his skin once the siren pulled away. As soon as Axenus stood up, he looked up at the siren. His eyes were widened, his face completely red, he was still deeply breathing. The look he was giving Axenus was straight sinful. “Th-“ he stumbled over his words, “Thank you.” he pushed his hair out of his face again. He stood up taking his blood covered blouse off the ground, motioning for Axenus to follow behind him. As soon as they walked out all eyes were on both of them, Jack was standing close to the door and saw both of them. He looked purely shocked, as did the rest of the crew. One girl who looking slightly younger than Lucian approached them, she looked agitated. “Captain, are you ok?” she glared at Axenus, then giving Lucian a warm ‘innocent’ look. “I’m alright Rosemary, thank you.” he nodded, “Is everyone on board ok? Any other injuries.” he continued. “Ah,

10:00

no. The med bay is fairly empty other than one guy who got a small cut, just cleaned it.” she smiled a little too brightly. If looks could kill, Axenus would be dead. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

He watched Lucian quiver in his seat, his face red and covered in sweat as he thanked him in a stutter. The human would owe him something now. Pulling his sail cloth over his shoulders again he followed the captain outside of the cabin where the crew was waiting for them. Axenus saw their glances, some in shock, some in fright. He didn't know what scandalous look the two were giving at this moment. Axenus also noticed Jack's look of sheer horror on his face, ignoring it as one of the crew members, a young woman, stepped up to Lucian while throwing sharp and with hatred filled glances to Axenus. Everything about this woman didn't fit Axenus, from the way she talked and the way she switched between masks so easily. He knew what this woman wanted. She was like another shark, trying to take his prey away, Lucian. He let out a low growl at her cheerful act, glaring back at her with a glance that would make most men quiver in their boots. He began to slowly approach her, placing himself in front of Lucian, cutting off the girl from him as he towered over this woman. "And who are you?" He growled, his right side of his lip pulled up into an annoyed sneer, signalizing her to back off. @duckielight

She glared at Axenus, not backing down. “Rosemary, co-captain of this ship.” she growled back. Lucian stepped back slightly, tilting himself to see them glaring at eachother. “Sorry, I haven’t introduced you two.” he walked in between them, mostly because he was scared that Axenus would kill her. “Rose, this is Axenus. He’s the siren who’s helping me get the amulet back.” he smiled softly trying to lighten the atmosphere. She looked at Axenus in sheer horror, “He’s the siren?!” she yelled at Lucian, he tilted his head away from the noise. “Yes, do you have a problem with that?” Lucian frowned and sternly looked at Rose. She shook her head and stormed off, “I apologize, she has quite the temper.” At this point the people around them started doing deck chores. They both went to the lower deck, he led Axenus to his room. It was fairly small, he walked to the dresser and pulled out new clothes for the siren. “Once we get to a port we can buy you new clothes.” he gave him a similar white blouse and black slacks, they were nicer than the ones he’d previously owned. “Again, thank you for.. healing me.” he sat on his bed. “Also, thank you for not just leaving.” he ruffled his hair. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

If Lucian hadn't stepped in between the two Axenus would have grabbed that human and would've torn her throat open in a gash for sure. Axenus gave her a last spiteful glance and sneered as this human stormed off, letting himself drag by Lucian towards his cabin. "Something is not right. This woman is hiding something." Axenus grumbled when the door was closed, talking to Lucian as he began to pull clothes out of a drawer. This woman was hiding something, the way she'd talked with Lucian in this sweet voice, the way she smiled and acted, it was a pattern of hunt, one that he recognized immediately since Axenus used it himself. He took his new clothes in a swoop and turned around, dropping his piece of sail to change into his new clothes, not caring if Lucian was still in the room to see his back. He scoffed mildly at his words as Lucian expressed his gratitude. Now Axenus had gained even more of his trust, he'd done it not only for his act of revenge, but also because he owed him something. @duckielight

He looked away, embarrassed, as Axenus dropped the tarp, “She’s not all that bad, I grew up with her and before my mother passed we were meant to marry.” he brushed his hair back and laid back into the bed. His perception on this siren had completely changed in the last day, he couldn’t tell if it was just the sirens trickery, or actual kindness. He refused to let his guard down any longer though, he needed this plan to work. “She works for the medical bay on the ship, as head nurse.” he looked up at the ceiling, he’d already had all the cracks in the wood above memorized from all the years spent in this room. After Axenus got dressed, Lucian stood up. “You need to get along with her for now, you’ll be seeing her more often on the main deck.” He smiled before bringing Lucian back up to the main deck again. Once Lucian entered his office, Axenus was left with Jack once again. Jack stayed silent, quietly sitting and leaning on the mast. “I didn’t know you and Lucian were..” he looked up at Axenus confusingly. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

Lucians words didn't lighten Axenus' mood at all. He would keep an eye on this woman and although Lucian seemed to trust her, Axenus did not. Noone would take away his prey… In his new clothes he followed him back onto the main deck where he promptly left him standing on the main deck alone with only the boy Jack leaning against the mast watching Axenus with a confused look. When he shyly muttered something about Axenus and Lucian he slowly approached the boy, towering over him in front with his arms crossed over his chest. "That we were what?" Axenus asked rather coldly, giving the boy an indifferencing look. He wondered if the boy had already forgotten their kiss, he should have by now but by the way his voice sounded he wasn't quite sure. Either way, he had no longer a use for this boy. @duckielight

Jack shook his head, “I mean, Lucian typically doesn’t really warm up to people.. in a romantic sense..” he looked over to the siren. “I mean- I’m not judging at all! I just- It’s surprising that’s all.” he laughed slightly, “He just… doesn’t seem like the type to be into.. that type of stuff?” he smiled gently, it was obvious now that he didn’t quite remember the kiss. However he was under the assumption that Axenus and Lucian were doing something far different in his office. The looks became more clear to Axenus, pretty much everyone on board thought Axenus and Lucian had hooked up after the battle. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

"So you think I… what do you humans call it… fucked your capitan, I see…" Axenus chuckled lightly at that thought. He had seen many humans having their intercourse on deck, hearing their mating sounds through the wood at night, male and female alike, passionate actions that seemed to bring both sides a sort of pleasure that Axenus didn't understand. For sirens, this kind of mating was not meant for pleasure and it certainly wasn't the most pleasant act, but only to ensure the survival of their kind once the male had found their female in the best physical condition to ensure their offspring to grow strong and survive at sea. "I only helped him to treat his injuries, nothing more." Axenus replied calmly, walking towards the railing of the ship and leaning onto it while slicking his long white hair back, still amused by Jack's stuttering. It seemed like he forgot about his little interrogation afterall. @duckielight

He nodded his head, “Ah ok, well uh- i’d get that ran through by Lucian. If it gets to rosemary, she’ll kill you.” he laughed, it was indecipherable whether or not he was joking but seeing Rosemary kill someone wouldn’t be a surprising sight to most of the crew. “She’s crazy about him, went on for days about their marriage and now that they aren’t gonna get married she’s been in the worst mood.” he stood next to him, leaning on the railing aswell. “Could you do me a favor? Nothing too big just, I feel like you’re the only person who’d actually have the guts to do it.” he sighed. “Everyone wants to know what Rose is planning, she’s been in her office these past few weeks and has been weirdly close to Lucian. Some of us are afraid she’s planning something… cruel, I guess?” he ran his fingers through his hair, taking it out of his face. Jack cared about his captain, everyone on board seemed to care about him. It was a tightnit ship, and something was going on beneath the surface. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

To Axenus it seemed like he wasn't the only one who knew something was wrong, surprised even that the other humans had noticed it too over time, but he was certain that it took them far longer to figure it out. It didn't change the fact for him that no human would take away his act of revenge, take away his prey and it was certainly beneficial if the crew agreed with him. "I'll see what i can do." Axenus sighed mildly annoyed while pushing himself off the railing to stroll over the deck, not bothering to leave Jack standing alone. He made his way across deck, watching the sailors work on their chores, tying knots, pulling ropes and carrying barrels and boxes beneath the deck. Although it seemed like no one of them was paying attention to Axenus, when he had his back turned he could feel their eyes resting on his back in alert. He certainly was not really part of the crew and Axenus didn't really care. As he strolled over the deck a few sailors crossed his path with a few rolling barrels in front of them while others carried filled wooden boxes below deck. "Watch where you're going!" One of the sailors shouted as he ran almost into Axenus with a box full of fish in his arms on his way below deck. With one swift step Axenus moved to the side, grabbing one of the fish out of the open box. "HEY! What do you think you're doing!?" The sailor snapped at the siren, clearly underestimating him while Axenus inspected the fish up close.

09:38

Adding to his remaining grumpy mood, the fish was clearly caught fresh, the water from it slowly dripping down his hands which brought his siren claws to light again as he had his grip firm on the fish. "Is there a problem?" He said in a cold harsh tone, burying his claws into the flesh of the fish as he spoke. The face of the sailor twisted in the realization of his mistake to one with fright filled expression, eyes widened which stared up at him and quickly flicked inbetween his gaze and his claw. "N-no… not at all" the sailor muttered quickly before heading under deck with the rest of the helping sailors in a hurry. As Axenus leaned his back against the nearest railing he began munching on the fish, tearing off the sides while watching the blue wide sea, getting lost in the moment until he heard the sound of metal crashing against each other. He turned around to see Lucian fighting with one of his crew members on the main deck. He was confused for a second since the sailor wasn't supposed to be an enemy. Curiously he began to approach the two, munching on the rest of the fish, leaning against one of the masts to watch with a raised eyebrow. @duckielight

The sun was starting to set, Lucian finally finished inventory and he went to the upper deck. He found a few men fencing, probably getting ready for when they docked the next day. As soon as they saw him they paused, one of them came up to him, sword in one hand. They invited him to their little meeting, they’d already bet money. “Hm, why not.” He put a rag headband on his head to keep his hair out of his eyes. The other opponent was obviously nervous, Lucian was an all time winner. One of his men announced the start and Lucian made the first move, sliding under the other mans sword and hitting him straight in the stomach. “Best out of three?” the other men proposed. They kept playing until eventually Lucian won once again, Lucian didn’t take the gold. That’s when he noticed Axenus on board, eating a fish. He put down the sword and approached the siren, smiling gently. “Have you ever fenced before?” he took the headband off and ruffled his hair back to its normal messy state. He picked the sword back up and handed it to Axenus. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

He watched the captain clash his swords for a while, the sharp edge of the swords always stopping right before the actual hit. It was a game of dominance. When Lucian approached him he held out one of the swords by the handle towards him. Axenus glanced at Lucian with a raised eyebrow, throwing the rest of his fish away to the side and patting his claw dry which then returned back into their human form. "It seems simple enough" Axenus replied, his version of saying that he did not before. With his natural siren claws he was in no need of a sword like this. He took the sword from Lucian and brought it up a closer look at the blade. He'd seen many of those in sunken shipwrecks before but most of them were already covered in copper and rust and not as shiny as those. @duckielight

He nodded grabbing one of his crew members to demonstrate. “The rules are fairly easy, don’t hit fully, full stop when you know you’re about to make contact.” he took one of his crew members. “For example.” he stood a few paces back from the boy and another one announced the start. Their swords clashed from blocking one another, Lucian being more offensive than defensive. He found a weak point and backed away before ducking and pointing the sword mere inches away from his stomach. “Simple enough, right?” the boy stumbled off and laughed with a. group of friends before handing Axenus the sword. “You ready?” he stood a few paces back from Axenus, wielding the sword tightly. “We can do best out of three if you’d like.” he smiled softly. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

As Lucian explained the rules, Axenus watched him closely before he gave Lucian a nod of agreement and walked into the middle of the deck, mimicking Lucians posture and waiting for his moment to strike. "Ready… GO!" one of the sailors called, opening the fight between Luician and Axenus. Immediately Axenus lunged at Lucian, their swords clashing as he the siren had opened the fight with a powerful strike, a mild grin playing on his lips as he pushed the captain further back with his sword. He was certain he would win against this human in this simple game. @duckielight

He grinned while he played, dodging and blocking all of his shots. He evaluated that the siren was also fairly offensive rather than defensive, he was going to use that as a ploy. He let the siren push him back to the mast, pressing his back to the cracked wood. When the siren made his final slash he ducked and rolled behind him, swiftly turning around to face him. As soon as the siren turned, he pushed him against the mast, putting the sword to his neck, he was pinned. “Nice try.” he smiled before putting the sword down. The crew watched in awe, as Lucian shook Axenuses hand. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

With all the blows he landed against Lucian he was certain that he was gonna win, but the human seemed to block every strike of his. After some quick parrying he pushed Lucian back against the mast, he was now sure of his victory, but with a swiftness that Axenus didn't expect from a human, Lucian suddenly ducked away from his final blow. When Axenus snapped his head around to follow his movements, the captain pinned him against the mast instead, the blade lingering on the side of his neck. The siren had lost. Axenus stared at the captain in disbelief, trying to comprehend that he had just lost against a mere human an unexplainable mild flush of pink on his cheeks at Lucians grin, but Axenus wasn't really mad. He was thrilled that he had underestimated this human. Now this hunt was beginning to get even more interesting… After Lucian had put his sword down Axenus took his hand after a short moment of doubt. "Another round" Axenus said with a mild eagerness in his voice and a small grin on his lips. He would defeat this human, one way or another. @duckielight

He nodded, picking the sword back up. “Of course.” he called one of the crew members to start them off again. “Ready?…. Go!” he immediately backed up, predicting the instant dash from Axenus. He spent most of the time fighting for the offensive role, this time he could tell Axenus was getting better at this. He was glad he was finally able to enjoy himself since the siren had gotten there. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

Again, he barged towards Lucian, their blades clashing. He'd learned from his first defeat. He parried multiple of Lucians blows, again pushing him in front of him, with a thrill filled grin on his face. The siren's steps were still a bit clumsy with a mild lack of balance which made his movements less elegant than Lucians or how his movements might've been underwater. The adrenaline from the hunt was rushing through his body the longer their blades were clashing. Just as he was about to land his blow, Lucian swiftly parried his horizontal slash, crouched down and stopped his sword just before it pierced Axenuses chest. Again Axenus started down at Lucian with baffled eyes who had just defeated him a second time. He was impressed, he had clearly underestimated this human. When Lucian drew back and got back on his feet again Axenus pointed his sword at him, in his face this grin that was filled with the thrill to hunt and exposed his sharp teeth, deep blue eyes fixed on his prey. "Again" Axenus demanded, his voice filled with determination, not being able to contain his full excitement. He didn't care if the captain had already won but he wouldn't lose to the human a third time. @duckielight

The people around them started betting money on either Lucian or Axenus. The final battle began, with Lucian backing up into the mast again, this time Axenus not being fooled by the swiftness of his movements. The sound of metal filled the air, Lucian realizing that Axenus was getting good at this. He bit his bottom lip in focus, he ducked and slid across the deck. The crew would move away if they got too close, after a few attempts of offense he decided to go for a more offensive role. His demeanor changed, his smile dropped and he focused on what he was doing. He found a weak spot, and took it, straight to the stomach. His smiled formed again as he dropped his sword. “Nice try.” he shook his hand. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

When the final battle began Lucians struggle against Axenus was more obvious. The siren was a fast learner, able to adapt himself quickly to different scenarios, a necessary ability to survive in the depths of the ocean. He watched Lucian close, parrying his blows and attacks until something changed in the capitains behavior. Lucians grin vanished as he focused, his incredibly precise blows pushing Axenus with quick steps back. Gritting his teeth, Axenus tried his best to keep up but he was now clearly at a disadvantage until he was driven so fast back that the siren lost his not fully developed balance which resulted in Axenus landing on his ass with his sword sliding away from him on the wooden planks. Axenus let out a groan as his ass hit the hardwood, staring up at the captain in mild disbelief who pointed his sword at him, showing that Axenus had lost this battle as well. He raised an eyebrow at the captain's expression of pride and Axenus acknowledged his small victory. His pride was only hurt a bit as Axenus began to chuckle which then translated into a soft laugh. He couldn't believe that this human had beat him in such a simple game. "I will beat you next time" He grinned up at Lucian as he took his hand. As Lucian pulled him up and a few steps forward Axenus wasn't aware of the loose plank to his feet, and of course one of his boots got stuck which caused him to lose his balance once more, this time tripping forward and taking Lucian down with him onto the wooden deck. Pushing himself off with a groan he had landed on Lucians chest. He was close to the captain. For a moment as he was pushing himself off he stopped, now basically pinning the captain down under him and hovering over him as he looked into the captain's eyes, his expression of surprise turning into a smirk, not noticing how his cheeks had gained some more color than usual. "My bad" he apologized with no real regrets in his voice, remaining in this pinning position. @duckielight

He grunted as he fell over with Axenus on top of him, his head slightly hitting the deck beneath him. He rubbed his head when he felt a weight on top of him, his eyes opened and he saw the siren on top of him. Immediately his face flushed red, out of pure instinct and fear he took the sirens hips gently in his hands to lift him off of his hips slightly. As Axenus pinned him to the floor he (somehow) got more flushed. The deck around them went quiet, Lucian gently pushed Axenus off of him, helping him up. “I apologize, I didn’t see the…” he looked down at the plank sticking up, “Yeah..” he laughed a little. As soon as he dusted himself off a familiar face came from the crowd, Rose. “What the hell are you two doing?” she looked over at Axenus, with the same glare she’d had before. “No one is manning the helm, we’re approaching the pier.” she argued with a slight sharp edge to her voice. “And you two are just playing around on the deck… doing lord knows what..” she looked at them in disgust almost. “Rose, I was merely teaching him deck combat, for future reference.” Lucian explained. “He’s only gonna be here for a few more days! I want him off this ship, he’s a danger to everyone here.” she barked back. He backed down, anger resting on his face. “If you have a problem with it, you can leave.” Lucian left, going back up to his helm. “If you know what’s best for you, you’ll leave me and Lucian alone.” Rose glared at the siren. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

He let the captain softly push Axenus off him as both got up from the wood, the siren still glancing down at Lucian. His heart felt light, something that he didn't know what it felt like until now. This feeling didn't last long as Rose came storming at the two, placing herself in between the two as she began scolding Lucian like a child. Axenus' glance grew cold again, his fists clenching as he threw a cold glance back at her. When Lucian turned around to leave and Rose spoke those few words as a quiet thread he had enough. Now he was certain that she was trying to take away his prey. "And if you knew what's best for you, you would know best not to give me any orders." He growled at her with a sneer, grabbing the collar of her blouse and slowly began to lift her off her feet. "Should I show you what real danger looks like?" He growled at her, staring her down with his dark blue eyes that could make any man tremble in his boots. In this moment he did not care how others saw him. If Jack's words were true and she was up to something, he could get rid of her already. He would not let himself be given orders by another pathetic human like her. @duckielight

Her face flushed red in anger, her eyes widening at his touch. She pushed herself off of him, landing on her feet. “I don’t need to be taught by anyone except for myself, you must forget who I am.” she frowned intensely. “This is my ship.” everyone around them stayed quiet, silently judging the girl. Her eyes were intense before a person came out of the crowd around them, it was Lucian. “What the hell is wrong with you?” he shouted at the siren. “Don’t try to touch or intimidate my co-captain, what the fuck?” he scolded Axenus, he’d seen the commotion from the deck, and Axenus lifting her up by her blouse. Of course, Rose played the victim, “All I said was to help around the deck, as you ordered me to.” she complained, clearly lying. The people around them started murmuring, starting to disperse around the argument, not wanting to get yelled at. “Axenus, please just-“ he held his temple in two fingers, “Go to your quarters, now.” he looked pissed. His eyes darted to Rose, “Go to my deck, we need to talk.” he walked away, Rose following behind him before flashing the siren a dirty look before exiting. Everyone around them was silent, more silent than Axenus had ever heard them, they were clearly scared of Rose for some reason. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

He let go of the human as she had freed herself out of the siren's grasp. He remained unimpressed by her empty threads and her last words filled him even more with anger. Furthermore, It had confirmed the crew's and Axenus' suspicion that something was definitely going on with her. He let out a low growl, baring his teeth as Axenus just about had enough before Lucian stepped in between the two. He shouted at Lucian in utter rage, defending this two faced eel as she lied and gave him a dirty look of superiority. "You are going to pay for this" he growled those words, pressing them through his teeth in anger as he spoke. Those words were both directed towards Lucian and especially Rose. Axenus then proceeded to storm off angrily not towards his cabin as ordered, but towards the railing, nearly ripping his shirt off his body as he stripped it down in anger. He kicked off his boots before he climbed onto the railing and took a leap into the deep blue ocean beneath him, ignoring all the shouting and commotion behind him. The water felt cold on his human skin for a brief moment as he stripped his pants off in a hurry before his transformation took place, his body returning to his original form, the form that he grew up in. The form that made the ocean his home. He darted towards the depths of the ocean, leaving the ship behind him as he went to hunt, his rage and unexplained frustration gnawing on him. He was getting tired of this. He wanted his revenge as soon as possible. @duckielight

Lucian lunged towards Axenus, trying to catch him but being too late. His grip was slipped and he didn’t get to him. “Fuck!” he kicked the wooden railing, a crack coming from the base. Behind him, Rose grinned, a sick twisted grin that remained on her face until Lucian turned around. “Throw the anchors and tie the main rag.” he ordered the crew. They all immediately got to work, Lucian went into his captain quarters and Rose followed behind him. “He’s not worth it, Lucy.” she traced his shoulder with her finger behind him. “You know I can still help you get your mothers amulet, we don’t need him.” Lucian jerked away from her his eyes dark. “There is no we, I want you to stay away from me, go to your quarters.” he snarled and spit out. Her eyes widened, a frown forming on her face. She stormed out leaving him in the room by himself, he opened his dresser and looked at the shirts hanging up in it. He took an outfit that was similar to Axenuses’ borrowed outfit. He gave it to a crew member outside of his room, asking him to lay it out on the dock, his mind raced, what if he didn’t come back? Rose stalked the deck, no one around her daring to say a single word in her presence. She looked down at the water, if that siren came back, she promised herself that she would kill him herself. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

When the moon was high in the starry night sky, Axenus dove back up to Lucians ship. He had spent his rest of the day darting through the depths of the ocean, hunting his food. One of his meals included a huge tuna which he had then devoured near a coral reef. Taking his anger out on his prey had helped him to clear his head. Axenus was now ready to finally get the revenge for he had let himself humiliate over the last week. He was certain that his pack would wonder about his absence, but they would not go and look for him. Afterall, not returning from a hunt would mean that you could've died due to a possible sign of weakness, and weakness was one of the few things that most sirens wouldn't tolerate. He broke through the surface of the black waters, taking a moment to gaze up at the firmament to take in the view before he leaned himself over the wooden railing, landing with a heavy thud of his tail back on the wooden deck. Axenus looked around the deck, Noone was there and the humans at the top of the mast seemed to be asleep since they didn't alert anyone. After a moment, soon the familiar tearing in his lower parts began. Axenus let out a groan as his tail began to rip into two, his scales and fins starting to hide beneath his human skin. The whole transformation still hurt, leaving Axenus most vulnerable in his groaning and suffering state, his breath going heavy. And so he couldn't really pay attention to the Co Captain approaching… @duckielight

Rose lurked the deck all night, she knew he would come back. She knew sirens like the back of her hand, he would be back for revenge. She stayed under the top platform, next to one of the stairways, hiding in the dark. After hours of waiting, she heard the splash and thud of the siren landing on the deck. It was her time, she quietly walked to the mast and appeared behind it. Her grin was sickening, she approached him, a dark wood plank in her hand. Her eyes gleamed what seemed to be a dark abyss like color, with a swing she knocked him out, the plank cracking against his head. His vision blacked out. When he woke up he was downstairs, what seemed to be the same cell he was originally in except the bed was gone and the pole that was originally in the middle of the room, he seemed to be strapped to, tight. The door was locked and the doors window was locked shut. She was standing in front of him, arms crossed. Her smile was just as sickly as when she’d knocked him out. “Morning, sunshine.” @MJ'oras Mask🎭

Too slow. As Axenus turned around he only caught a quick glimpse at Rose before the wood splintered against his head, making the world around him dip into darkness. He awoke with a headache, his body being tight very tightly to the pole in his cell. "You…" Axenus growled at her, exposing his threatening teeth in a sneer. "I will rip your throat open for this!" He spat those words in a burning rage, pulling at the robes that bound him in this fit of rage. Rose's smile was sickening, like a shark exposing his teeth in front of his prey. The siren hated her for it and his guts and the crew had been right. She was definitely up to something, and it wouldn't be something good. But now Axenus was trapped, unable to free himself. Unable to stop the human from her actions… @duckielight

She crouched down in front of him, just out of reach. “Now that’s no way to talk to your captor, is it?” she reached out her hand and took his chin in her hand firmly. “You’ve made this so much harder than it needs to be, monster.” she tsked and her smiled dropped. “Underestimating me is going to be the death of you, I need not to prove you anything, but I will say that you’ve made a horrible mistake.” she pushed his chin over and stood up, “I will rip you to shreds for everything you’re worth.” she kicked his stomach, hard, before laughing. “You’re pathetic, coming back just to take my one chance to take this place as mine.” She dragged a wooden chair to sit in front of him. “Here’s the deal, I’m gonna slit your throat open.” her smile formed back onto her face, “And then Lucian is gonna walk in here and see you bleeding out, he’ll try to save you.” she stood up and crouched back down, “Then right when he’s vulnerable..” she took the knife from her holster, and dragged it with slight pressure on his neck. The sinister grin was still plastered on her face, the truth was finally out. Her plan was clear, easy, and she planned on taking the ship as her own just to frame Axenus for Lucians murder. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

He bared his teeth even wider in a snarl when Rose leaned forward and grabbed him by the chin, forcing her gaze onto his. "Pathetic human." He groaned after the woman had kicked him in his stomach, leaving his body in pain before she put the blade to his throat, pressing it slowly into his human skin. Now her sinister plans were obvious. "Go on. Kill me. But let one thing be known: You will never return home from the sea after this" he growled at her, teeth pressed together as he tugged on his ropes. Either way, it didn't matter if she killed him or not. If she'd let him live, Axenus would be her demise. @duckielight

She frowned, her knife pressing deeper into his skin, not quite breaking it yet. “Your threats don’t scare me.” she muttered. “You’ll die and no one will remember you, you’ll just be a faceless killer that was too weak to fend for himself.” the knife pressed deep, the pressure from it lifted slightly before replacing it with a stinging pain and blood running down his neck. She looked down, her smile forming again. “Your facial expressions are the same as his mothers, right before she died.” her eyes drifted back up to his. “Except she screamed, loud.. Lucian really believed me, that a siren was the one who got her.” she laughed, “Now you’ll die just like her.” there was a creaking sound from behind the door, her head swung to turn around. Standing in the door frame, Lucian. His knife gripped in his hand, his eyes dark but forming tears. His eyes locked on Rose, he’d heard everything. Rose gripped the knife, spinning over to face Lucian. “This isn’t what it looks like.” her eyes filled with tears, the so obvious faked emotions flooding from her voice. “You have to understand he-“ she paused. “He attacked me! I had to-“ Lucian cut her off, swiftly walking towards her. The blade of the knife disappeared into Roses stomach, blood dripped from it, her knife dropped. Lucian’s eyes filled with tears, his anger evident. The knife came out of her stomach, before going right back in. She fell to the ground, a gasp finally emerging from her throat. The blood fell to the floor, covering Lucian’s shirt and hands. Rose couldn’t breath, she coughed and blood spat out of her mouth. He stayed completely silent, his face unreadable, a mix of deep sadness and anger. He was confused, his mothers death was a lie, she hadn’t been lured by sirens. She’d been killed by Rose to take her spot at captain, and Lucian was going to be next. His very own childhood friend, whom he’d spent his entire life with, betrayed him.

05:37

One of the crew mates ran into the door, gasping at the sight before grabbing a few of the crew to help. “I’m fine, get him to the infirmary, please.” his crew looked over at the bleeding siren, they assisted him with cutting the ropes and bringing him to the medical bay, Lucian stayed in the room, staring at Roses lifeless body. He didn’t allow anyone to move her, to clean the blood, nothing. They let him be, refusing to ask questions that would upset him

05:37

@MJ'oras Mask🎭

Before Axenus could growl at Rose he felt her knife pull away before the blade sliced into Axenus's side of his throat in one swift movement. The blood was warm as it began to flow, making Axenus gasp for air, the sharp pain in his neck evident with every more desperate breath he took. He watched Rose as he felt his head starting to spin, trying to remain conscious when a figure came into his dizzy view. Lucian… He felt the woman's panic as she turned around in shock of being caught. Next there was the sound of flesh giving away beneath a blade, the body of the woman dropping in front of him with a thud, blood flowing from an open wound in her stomach. Axenus was panting heavily, looking back up at Lucian, trying to ring for air, but he was already exhausted. From the moment Lucian had killed the woman, Axenus's world seemed to have slowed down, the grunting of the men who cut him loose and heaved him up on his feet growing distant. He got laid onto a table in a cabin that Axenus was too weak to recognize as the medicine cabin. He had already lost too much blood, his body covered in a sweat as his gurgling breaths started to get fainter and fainter as he started to drift into unconsciousness. He wouldn't wake up if he lost more blood than he already had. He would die if no one would come to save him and Axenus knew that. He had already accepted his fate. There would be Noone who would save him. @duckielight

His mind was elsewhere, the people of his ship needed him and he knew it. But he couldn’t pull his eyes away from the blood, from the lifeless body in front of him. He’d killed before, countless times, but this was so much more different. She killed his mother, he wanted to watch the blood spill from her once more but it already stopped. He felt a tugging behind his back and looked behind him, it was Jack. “Captain, They need you at the medbay, the sirens isn’t going to make it.” Jack looked worried. Lucians eyes widened his trance seemingly disappearing, his mind raced as he sprinted pass Jack. He couldn’t lose someone else, he wouldn’t be able to live with it. As he reached the room, one of the ship nurses talked to him, he ignored her completely as he ripped the sheet surrounding Axenuses bed. He eyebrows furrowed as he rolled up his sleeves and picked up the almost lifeless body of the siren. He knew from what his mother taught him, sirens belong in the sea, he should’ve known that from the start but now he was stuck in this situation. He breathed deeply as he reached the fence of the gate, his arms relaxed as he dropped the siren into the ocean, he followed shortly behind him. He dived into the water, the cold touch sent shivers down his skin as he grabbed the sirens hand, bringing him into an embrace to keep him in fairly shallow water. This was the last resort, he couldn’t do much else other than wait and hope. @MJ'oras Mask🎭

The world around him had transformed into shadows and light. He couldn't focus anymore. He wasn't able to breathe, tired as he decided to close his eyes to take a rest. Then there was this cold. The familiar feeling and taste of salt water in his mouth, followed by the familiar feeling in his lower body. After floating in this familiar cold for a moment, he felt himself being pulled up into an embrace. He couldn't tell who he was, he didn't care. Axenus knew he was gonna die. Until suddenly, he took in a faint breath, his body seemingly slowly beginning to realize that he was able to breathe again. He opened his eyes, being slowly able to rattly breathe again, his throat aching as he felt it beginning to heal. His head had been resting on Lucian's shoulder until Axenus began to regain his consciousness, his arms wrapping around the human's waist in a reflex as he pulled his head slowly back to look at the human who held him close to his arms. Lucian. It was Lucian who held him close, who seemed to have saved his life. His brows furrowed in confusion. Why would this human save someone like him? Was it meant to repay his favor? But why would he've done that if he could've just gotten rid of him when Axenus was already so close to death. His confusion was prominent in his gaze as his deep blue eyes looked into Lucians. He had still kept his hand around his waist unintentionally, keeping him close as he softly cupped the human's face. "Why…" he asked, his voice sounding clear even beneath the water. @duckielight