"Lapis Cove, Lapis Cove." Mir ran his tongue softly over the unfamiliar name. Considering, hesitating, wondering.

Mir was out of job, intentionally so. Being locked in long-term employment was something the changeling had resolved never to let happen to him ever again, his past experience having been enough to last him several lifetimes. The only problem being that he had to feed and clothe himself, and such things required money. As such he had taken up many short-term jobs at the Grand City, from the contents of which ranged from sweeping chimneys in the homes of the somewhat-rich to helping unload goods off of merchant ships at the habor.

It had been two month since he had first entered the city, and Mir had been increasingly uneasy in the past few days. The city's walls made him claustrophobic, and he knew it was time to leave. While searching for employment that would bring him to another settlement, he chanced upon the Lawrence Cross' recruitment flyers. He had taken one to keep, attracted not so much by the pay promised but rather the mysterious destination.

Cross' ship had been easy enough to locate, with the directions given by the sailors milling around Hinewai Habor area. A few gave him more than that, advising him against joining the expedition or remarking that the ship was bound for ill waters. In all instances, Mir simply smiled, said his thanks and continued on his way. Mir was still murmuring quietly to himself when the ship came into view. It looked to be in good condition at least, he concluded after a few moments of observation.

Upon approaching the ship Mir noticed that no one was guarding the planks leading up to the deck. Taking it as a sign of open invitation, he crossed it onto the ship. The crew on deck did not quite match the mental image the flyer had given him, and the swabbie he approached sullenly pointed in the direction of a small cluster of people even before Mir could open his mouth to ask for the captain. Perhaps the expedition was to be ill-fated after all.

But all the more to hide my tracks.

Rahne had expected a few snickers or rolled eyes at her outburst, but despite her best efforts, the girl’s cheeks reddened at the explosion of jeering laughter. The acute embarrassment only fueled the volatile teenaged temper she tried to keep in check, and blinking back the stupid girly tears that formed in her eyes, Rahne clenched her hands into fists and was about to inform these assholes exactly what she thought of them when Cross arrived.

Defiantly she lifted her chin,still fuming over the insults, her jaw squared even as the Captain gave her a once over that signified his disappointment in the ‘lad’, but before Rahne (AKA Chronicle Reporter Extraordinaire) could plead her case why he (she) should would be an asset on this trip, Cross had already thrust his hand out in greeting.

Rahne’s anger dissipated quickly and a look of pride filtered in her eyes as she took the older man’s hand within her own and gave him as forceful as a shake as she could muster...and manly too! “Likewise Captain,” she uttered in that gruff, nasally voice of hers. A smug smile appeared on her lips as she followed the Captain on board the Jade Phoenix, and without looking back at the laughing moron squad, Rahne lifted her hand with her middle finger pointed heavenward in response to their mockery. This of course only made them laugh harder, but as far as the teenager was concerned, she had the last word...or finger...as it was.

Adjusting her cap, Rahne stepped upon the deck and was prepared to launch into this speech how Brock was a trustworthy kind of kid who would work hard on this expedition, when she too heard the bawdy laughter of the dockworkers fade into silence. Her brows raised, she turned her head toward the figure who made his way aboard and mentally groaned.

How the hell did Zaur find out about this expedition so quickly? Was he following her? Trying to beat her out for what could be the greatest story ever? Did Reid discover she was here incognito and decided to send him to babysit her? All these questions and more ran through her head, but as Zaur approached both Captain and ‘Brock’, Rahne sent him a silent pleading with her eyes not to give her away. Surely he had recognized her, but Rahne was counting on her comrade to keep up the charade with her. When Cross wasn’t looking, Rahne smiled a little and gave Zaur a little finger wave hi. Despite the fact that he was competing with her for the prize article, Rahne still found the guy adorably dreamy.

Well trained reporter eyes (or so she thought) took in the remainder of the ship’s crew, including an older guy and what could possibly have been his son taking a tour of the ship. So this was the crew, not including Captain Cross? Rahne was considering how no one seemed to want to make this journey when she caught sight of another man making great strides towards the rear of the ship where they little crew was located. The man, a sailor she assumed, seemed highly agitated as was noted by the heavy thud of his footsteps. Rahne paid close attention as the Captain was notified that a woman had come aboard the Phoenix and wanted to speak to Cross, presumably regarding the expedition...or perhaps the Captain had knocked her up and she was looking for ‘baby-daddy’ payment? In any case, they followed Cross to where this woman was located, the annoyed sailor muttering to himself as he began scraping white stuff off the deck. Rahne’s eyes narrowed as she watched Cross bow and introduce himself to this seemingly disinterested woman who appeared bored and bitchy just from her posture.

Rahne snorted and crossed her arms across her little well concealed breasts and eyed the woman who thought she was looking rather mysterious and deadly all cloaked in black with those weapons she barely attempted to hide on her person. Wasn’t this chick aware that women aboard a ship was frowned upon? This fact didn’t seem to concern or apply to Rahne though. The woman didn’t appear that impressive in stature, and regardless of those fancy swords and the collection of knives she seemed to favor, Rahne doubted this woman had the stones to handle the voyage to Lapis Cove, much less play soldier. Rahne lightly jabbed Zaur in his side and muttered quietly to him, “I’ve got ten gold that the Captain tosses her off his ship. Looks sketchy to me.”

The words were spoken as quietly as possible, and yet in that moment the woman turned toward Rahne. She lowered the hood of her cloak and skewered Rahne with a look, those strange hued yellow colored eyes raked over Rahne’s scrawny body. The teenager gulped and shifted closer to Zaur, wishing she had thought to bring her Frickin’ Bo Staff with her, when the woman’s lips lifted in what appeared to be a smirk before she turned her attention once more to Cross and began firing out questions to the Captain.

Rahne let out the breath she was holding, and wiped her nose on the back of her hand. Mustering the bravado she held earlier, Rahne's gaze cut to where another potential crew mate stood quietly waiting to be acknowledge. The girl had wondered if Mir had witnessed the scene between the woman and herself, and muttered gruffly to herself as she jabbed a thumb toward Deanna. “Obviously afraid to tangle with Brockster. Yeah...that’s it." Rahne tipped her hat to Mir. "Hey man, how goes? Brock...Brock Steelcod. You coming to Lapis Cove with us or what?"

A parting scowl was offered to the ship mate as he stormed off to fetch the captain. Truly this man was a cretin of the lowest forms. She watched with feigned casual interest as monkey man approached whom she figured to be Cross who turned to glance in her direction. Within moments, Cross and what she assumed to be the rest of the crew hot on his heels, made his way to her and politely introduced herself.

Deanna dipped her head in greeting to Lawrence Cross, Captain of the Jade Phoenix and in doing so, ran a critical eye over the man. The Captain boasted a mop of dark hair, but anyone who paid close enough attention (especially to his eyebrows) could see it was dyed that way. Deanna found this particularly interesting. Why would a man, a captain of a ship, change his hair color just for this voyage? She sunk her teeth onto her bottom lip as she silently questioned exactly who this man was.

While she was doing so, the scrawny one elbowed the taller man nearest and muttered to him, and as Deanna’s head swiveled in their direction to glare at the child, she could tell instantly that the youngster thought the words were spoken in quiet confidence. Deanna lowered her hood and stared at the girl who was ridiculously trying to conceal her gender. Perhaps these dolts couldn’t figure out that he was a she, but her distinctive feminine scent couldn’t fool Deanna’s nose. The shifter smirked at the girl’s fearful reaction and turned once more to give her attention to the captain.

“I happened across your flyer, which I am guessing the rest of these, uh, potential crew members did as well. Lapis Cove. Personally I’ve never heard of it.” Deanna eyed the gender bending girl who still couldn’t keep her mouth shut as she tried to play it cool to some guy who came on board looking to set sail on the Phoenix as well. “And while I’m not above offering my services to you and traipsing off into the unknown,” Deanna continued, “I have to question the intent of this mission. Let me be frank Captain, I am not a sailor. That...kid...” she pointed to Rahne. “Is not a sailor, I can assure you.” Deanna cast a glance at Zaur, her nostrils flaring some.

“He is not a sailor though you could do worse than to have him aboard.” Deanna could smell he was like her, though his scent was a bit off...a bit too clean for a mammal. “As for that guy,” Deanna jerked her chin toward the newcomer Mir, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to decipher exactly what flavor of mortal he was, “while he screams of hard labor, he is not a sailor either and truth be told, they do not scream of mercenary either.”

Deanna brushed a hand along the back of her neck. “My point is, you ended up with a mishmash of individuals who are here for whatever purpose, myself included, who are potentially going into a situation that could prove deadly considering you have not been exactly forthcoming with information concerning the exact nature of this little adventure.” Deanna smiled then, though it was more of a baring of teeth as she leaned against the railing, her bag nestled securely behind her booted feet. “Now I am not rejecting your offer to accompany you to this Cove, but I’d like to know why you’re willing to risk your life and theirs, and don’t tell me it’s for fortune and fame, sir.”

Deanna tilted her head for a moment in consideration. “The truth sir, and then we sail. I’m a busy woman and time isn’t exactly on my side these days, so let’s get a move on, shall we?”

WHEAT FROM THE CHAFF

For many years I have kept a log of events that I, myself, have set in motion. The reason for this is that when the day may come, (however unlikely) that I find the chosen few, all that I have done will not be remembered as acts of lunacy or evil, but as a testament to nature and all it has taught us. She is our creator and our destroyer, our salvation and our execution, all that I do is for the natural order. It is my hope that any who reads these words shall understand my labors are not birthed from the hatred of a man scorned, nor are they acts of insanity crafted in a broken mind. They are necessary, as all trials of life are necessary.

I did not ask to be chosen. I held no desire to be the vessel from which the universe speaks. But I shall not shun the responsibility it has placed upon me. As you learn from all that I do, so too do I learn from all that you do not do. For each failure, each shortcoming, the need to continue with my work only grows stronger, so that perhaps one day I may find the strength that so many who have come before did not possess.

This new world, Aleris, it is a world that has seen much turmoil. Inhabitants that began as nothing more than empty shells are now fully sentient and emotional beings. They have survived several tests in these past years. Wars of gods and demons, great beasts and personal agenda, there is no doubting that this Aleris has endured a fair share of struggle, especially when I consider that it is a world still so young and inexperienced.

But it is for this reason I must be steadfast. The cosmos does not require a thriving world that has not earned its rightful place. It has no need for life that has not truly stood at the brink of extinction and fought its way back.

You may ask what gives any one man the right to make such a judgment, and I would answer that if I did not hold such a right, if I did not wield such authority, than my efforts would have been snuffed out many years ago and I would never have found this world in the first place. But I have survived, those tested have not, and here I stand in the lands of Aleris ready to begin the cycle once more.

And like any master of their trade the time eventually comes when your works are no longer perceived as labor, but as a part of yourself. This is what I am, who I am, and I have come to take great pride in my work..one might even call it pleasure. Not in the failure of those I test, but in their constant attempts to rise above. The harder you fight, the more I must do, only then will true strength be yours. Only then will you appreciate what has been given to you. Only then will you understand the necessity of what I have done. If you still believe me wicked, than I say only this; the fact that you are alive to read this is no accident. You were meant to live, meant to know why all that has happened to this world has come to pass. And in that, know that you are chosen, and you shall exist forever more as a beacon of strength. The standard upon which all other worlds, past, present, and future shall be measured. If bringing such a realization to you, or the methods I used to achieve that realization mark me as wicked..than so be it. The sum of my efforts has been revealed all the same.

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REVEALING THE WEEDS

Spreading the infection is always a lengthy task. Normally it takes years for the poison to reach enough of the population so as to have the necessary impact, I am only one man after all. Fortunately this world had a glorious asset only too willing to assist in quickening the spread. The ocean dwellers were bitter and starving for revenge, convincing them to work with me was not at all difficult. I believe they view me as some type of higher being, and as long as it benefits my cause than I have no need to convince them otherwise. They know the oceans of this world, every under water cavern and tunnel beneath the sea. It would have taken much more time to educate myself with the form of this world had it not been for them, so their help has been beyond measure.

It took several months for the poison to be placed in the fresh water deposits of all four continents. Lakes, ground water, wells, any location where the population may come to harvest water, it has all been tainted. That was the first step, and then there was the wait.

As I have learned from past experiences it is always the weaker physical specimens that show the effects first. Those who are stronger, vampire, lycanthrope, demon and the like require much more time and much more exposure to the poison. Until they become fully infected they are merely carriers, but that only serves to spread the effects further.

As is always the case it is the smaller villages, those more dependent on nearby water sources that are struck hardest. They have done well in carrying the sickness further inland. The true measure of the infection should not take long on the more inhabited continents, Elved and Eiler, However, Arthuran and Heruin given the measure of distance between populated areas will take considerably longer to know what has befallen them. It is of little matter though, it is only a matter of time before they too are engulfed in the truth my veins bring.

Coastal towns have been the quickest to show infection. Having traveled to several of them myself, many inhabitants have been found dead as was to be expected, but as is always the case, those with natural aggression have survived and formed packs that have begun their mindless journey across their native continent. Spreading the death, spreading the true nature of their people, it is unfolding as it always does. First the weak are purged, then the strong reveal themselves, the guardians and protectors of this world shall rise and that is the entire reason why I have come here.

Lapis Cove sits in the midst of the entire population so it is the most beneficial in terms of a world wide endeavor. It has proven most useful in many ways. First, as previously stated, its proximity to the four continents. And second, since it no longer has a native population with the sea dwellers having been expunged, anything that befalls the smaller isle would go unnoticed as the continents see to their own people.

To look at it all carefully, it would appear as if the world itself was designed for my arrival. And I have never been one to believe in coincidence. I do however believe in patience. So I shall wait until the best this world has to offer come to find the root of this new threat. I can only hope they are as prepared as I am.


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AN UNEXPECTED BENEFIT

This world never ceases to reveal that fate destined my being here. The scorned ocean people were more than enough to show that I was meant to test this world. But Aleris was not yet done in showing just how in need its people were of a true trial of will. Beneath Lapis Cove there exists a cavern, lost to time, where a sleeping goliath once rested. It took many years for the effects of sedation to fade away, but now that they have, the beast has awakened. Now I find there is yet another entity ready to serve the cause.

I do not speak the native language of the sea dwellers so I shall not risk butchering the title of the entity they view as their ancestor. I have since given it a name in a more familiar language, and having seen the measure of this beast I believe there exists no hyperbole in the name I have chosen.

THE TIDE KING.

It is truly a marvel to behold. Massive, powerful, and seemingly devoted to the needs of its people. They are able to summon it, to lull it, but once it is unleashed I have no doubt that there will be no controlling it. For now I leave it to its own pursuits. I am not a man to turn his nose up at a gifted advantage but to utilize such a force so soon would negate any test of will I shall create. To unleash it upon this world would make all my efforts meaningless..in its wake, nothing would survive, of this I have no doubt.


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The old tome was closed and the quill was set down beside it as the hooded man stood from the desk he had been sitting. Such an aged book was offered great care as he picked it up and placed it back within his robe before taking hold of the gnarled stick nearby. He turned and stepped over the dead woman in the middle of the floor, her body stripped naked and her skull caved in. Blood coated much of the room though it was obvious that not all of it came from the single body that remained. None of which seemed to concern the hunched figure as he walked to the open door and stepped back into the street.

A young man (perhaps in his early 20's) laid in a fetal position only a few steps from the open door. He laid there, muttering and trembling, oblivious to the group of 7 individuals who were sprinting towards him with rocks, sticks, and blades in hand.

As the hooded man took a step to the side he watched as the pack of aggressors beat, shouted, and stabbed the young man who only seemed too willing to accept his fate. As he was brutalized, the robed man observed with a mild interest. The youth was dead in moments, and the group looked up, looking to the man with the walking stick. Their blackened eyes which oozed a liquid of the same color were wide and void of any depth. It was like looking into pure hostility. One or two of them shouted before the group sprinted passed him and continued on down the road.

Their was death and perversion as far as the eye could see, and much of the small town set in Lapis Cove seemed painted in blood and other fluids. There were scattered fires all around, and the only break in the sound of crackling flames was the occasional scream, or glass being shattered. And in the midst of all the chaos was a single man walking slowly down the middle of the street, his robe dragging in the dirt behind him as he moved ever forward.

The weak, the infected, they meant nothing, dead weight the world was all too happy to shed. In time those who survived would find their way to him, and then the final test would be given. Perhaps this time someone would survive.

And if not -- there was always the next world.

Something about the promise of riches made people act in a really catty behavior, Mir thought as he observed the group of strangers. He would have preferred to stay out of it too, except his presence was already noticed by one of them. Somewhat taken aback at first by Brock's over-familiar greeting, Mir's surprise turned into amusement when he realized it was merely an attempt at bluster by the young child. Smiling faintly, he resisted the urge to pat Brock on the head as he nodded in answer to the boy's question.

While the golden-eyed woman's assessment of everyone matched his own by and large, Mir found it rather unnecessary. The captain would be the one deciding who would be good enough to join the crew, no? Unless this woman was trying to get the job of the first mate or boatswain. It seemed likely; her way of speaking hinted at a too-strong pride that had trouble taking orders at face-value from others. Mir guessed her to be from a privileged background, when she continued to question even the captain. For only the well-to-do have the luxury to wonder at the why-s of the world. While he held no particularly strong hatred of such people, his past experience with her kind had shown them to be rather difficult to work under. Unless they happened to be happy with liquor. Personally, he hoped he would not be working under her. It would not be his first time working under an overbearing and judgmental overseer, but it was something to be avoided if possible.

Waiting patiently till she was done speaking, Mir cut in as politely as he could. Saluting the man in the same manner as he had to the other captains he worked for during his time at the docks, he introduced himself.

"Captain Cross, Mir of no notable last name wishes to join your crew." Mir's voice was much different from many others of his standing, due to his disinterest in drinks that scorched the throat or other recreational consumables. Soft and with a velvety tone, it would have much better matched a member of the clergy. He made no attempt to justify his placing into the crew, but could not resist adding, "Regardless of the your purpose."

Zaur responded politely to Captain Cross' inquiry as to his name. "I am Zaur sir, nice to meet you." Rahne gave Zaur a pleading look that likely meant to not speak of her presence in her poorly made disguise. The pair of reporters had spent some time together looking for Reid while the editor was gone. The lizard shifter knew she liked to dress up in disguises while seeking info. He saw no point in such measures, but his comrade liked them so he kept who she was to himself.

Before the therianthrope could say more to Cross or Rahne, his words were interrupted by a less than impressive appearing sailor. When he was asked to follow the human towards the new prospective crew member the shifter complied seeing no reason to resist. The scent of a mammalian therianthrope hit him unusually hard. The woman smelled strange almost like two separate people. He had no basis for this intermingling so he noted it mentally as something that should be investigated. Zaur was not fond of being ignorant of such things.

Another creature that did not smell human was a light skinned man that arrived after the woman warrior. The spell casting fighter felt magic buzzing around Mir as the non-human approached Captain Cross. The energy seemed different than anything he had sensed before which only made it more interesting. Rahne's attempts at friendliness with him and Mir did not go unnoticed by Zaur, but his attention was drawn by the older woman instead.

Deanna's questions intrigued the lizard shifter since he assumed money was all anyone else was interested in, due to the flyer. He figured his fellow reporter was after a story like himself. However, he didn't know Rahne well so he knew his theory might be proven wrong. Regardless, the female shifter did make a few good points. Up until she insisted on leaving immediately.

Zaur was not opposed to such a course, but the flyer stated the voyage would begin in seven days. What if others wished to join that couldn't make it that day? The magus also needed to inform Reid of his intentions which would take a little time. That thought gave him pause since he should probably tell the editor Rahne was there as well. He decided in that moment that the strange deaths took priority over proper procedure.

As he pondered that the docked Jade Phoenix rocked violently as something struck the bottom of the boat. All the other ships filling Hinewai Harbor showed no sign of problems, meaning currently it was an isolated incident. Zaur lost his balance and hit the deck hard. A few angry sounding words escaped his lips in the language of his people, they called it Ragip. He doubted any of the beings around knew what he said since his roughly pitched words did not sound like something a human throat should be able to manage. However, curse words did always have a familiar sound to them no matter the language. The guardian was a little embarrassed that they slipped out. He stood then and took in the others onboard hoping no one was hurt. Some superstitious people might find what just occured an ill omen. Zaur wasn't the type, but he knew many sailors were.

The Captain had been prepared to answer some questions and truthfully at that. However, there were answers to other inquiries that Lawrence could not – and would not - give to the woman on board. At the impatience of her words and the demanding tone in her voice, his brow furrowed marring the Captain's usually handsome face.

She wanted the truth and while normally Lawrence was a man of his honor, there were going to be things that would be left unsaid, whether Deanna liked it or not. The entire "crew" thus far was all harboring secrets himself included. Why should he have been the one to spill out all the unknown facts?

After Deanna had said her peace, Lawrence cleared his throat, hoping the announcement would have a jesting Brock pay attention to what he was about to say next. Though she had been the one delivering the questions, his reply would not be for Deanna alone. His arms folded behind his back and Lawrence stood straight to his six foot height while speaking.

"M'Lady, I have been wrong in the past, but from first impression my guess is that you are a woman who is used to getting what she wants when it concerns answers," Lawrence said. "Unfortunately, there are some things I do not owe you answers to. While you are not yet a member of The Jade Phoenix's crew, please remember I am still captain of this vessel and that I will not have you demanding anything of me while on board."

Out of the corner of his eye, Lawrence saw a newcomer - Mir - and heard his words to which the Captain replied with a slight, gentle nod. He would have to speak with the man later. After, Lawrence returned his attention back to Deanna.

"If I have not been forthcoming, it is because I did not intend to be so. My intentions for sailing to Lapis Cove are my own. I offer money to those willing to sail with me and you will find most are not needy enough for anything else but some gold in their pockets. The risk of their life is up to them and is decided by their own hand upon setting sail with me if they so choose. I did not believe this needed to be put on paper because with any journey there is risk of death."

Lawrence's eyes scanned the small crew.

"Know this, all of you: Lapis Cove is a dangerous place. There have been attacks and riots recently - beyond violence most of you have never witnessed. My reasons for going will continue to be silent unless I feel the need to elaborate. I offer you payment upon return and if it is not good enough, then perhaps some of you may want to consider signing up."

Despite Lawrence's firm words, his face held a look of calm and authority.

"And we sail when I say so which shall be tomorrow morn. This gives time to confirm second doubts any of you may now have for joining The Jade Phoenix's crew. If any of you believe me to not be a man serious in my task and playing carelessly with your lives, I would ask you to leave. Either way, on my own or with a crew, I shall find passage to Lapis Cove."

Lawrence stepped past Deanna, his hands at his sides now, to finally acknowledge Mir properly. Upon stepping up to Mir, the Captain reached out and shook Mir's hand, glad for the extra company and what seemed like the promise of a potential crew member.

"Well met, Mir," Lawrence said. "I look forward to you being part of The Jade Phoenix."

Lawrence had scarcely let go of Mir's hand when the ship gave a sudden rocking lurch against the port. The sound of people falling to the deck and Zaur's strange curse words filled the air. Lawrence fell to one knee, his palm upon the deck as he attempted to push himself back to standing once she ship had stopped moving. His eyes darted about when he was standing, surveying any damage that might have happened to the ship.

There was no risk of an enemy attack this close to Hinewai Harbor, but still, Lawrence craned his head in the direction of the horizon. There was, of course, nothing, so he moved to the side of the ship, peering over the edge, but only as much as he needed to. Something had hit the bottom of the boat. Though Lawrence did not see anything in the waters, it did not stop him from drawing his sword that hung against his hip. The sound of steel leaving his scabbard lifted into the air and the Captain waited as patiently as he could. There was something lurking about where no one could see, waiting to surface and show its ugly face, if it had one to show that was.

"When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves.
He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment.."
~Job 41: 25,31~




Far from Lapis Cove the poison had spread across much of the inhabited world. Whether those infected were showing the sickness or merely caught in the carrier stage, the groundwork had been set for a true pandemic. Those who would be the first to come searching for answers had begun to prepare and would soon be embarking on a voyage that no amount of secrecy would make easier.

But the truth about what was awaiting them across those uncertain waters would come to light in time, for in those moments of final preparation they -- or rather Captain "Cross" -- were given a glimpse that this journey possessed its own deep, dark secrets.

The full length of the ship rocked, struck powerfully from below by an unseen force. Whatever object that collided with the hull, it did not just impact a single area, but the entirety of the ship. For an instant or two the crew members nearest to the rails could swear the ship raised completely out of the water before coming back down to create a noticeable splash.

A series of large ripples passed from beneath the ship. Not the ripples created from the large vessel coming back down, but something that had been incredibly close to the surface retreating back into the depths.

There was a brief moment as Captain "Cross" reached the railing with sword drawn, looking cautiously into the rippling surface of the sea, that all appeared calm. For a fleeting second it seemed as though nothing existed beneath the waters, but then a large shadow passed below. It was equal to the size of the vessel but connected to something much bigger and hidden deeper down. At first it was as if the suns reflection bounced off the sea-water, however that lasted only for the faintest of instances. What truly reflected the light above was revealed -- just long enough to send an unspoken message to the Captain and his slap-dash crew before it vanished down into the murky depths. It was a message that the secretive "Lawrence" would hear in his own voice, deep within that mental pit of fear which only the horrors of the unknown can create.



..You are already dead.

The urge to ball her fist and drive it clean through Cross’ skull was strong. Very strong. Deanna could feel her blood boil and rush into her head, could taste the murderous intent on the back of her tongue. Thus far she had remained as still as stone, save for her hands which began to twitch and curl as Cross delivered his little speech that was mainly directed to her. The only restraint she held that kept her from acting out on her morbid and gruesome thoughts was the babe in her womb that wriggled as he delivered his false presumptions regarding her, even as all eyes fastened on Deanna, their own judgements concerning her pouring off in waves.

Don’t hurt him. Not yet. Not here. It would only land you in prison, and how would you explain birthing Verial’s child in such unfit conditions then?


Deanna’s jaw worked as she listened to Cross’ feeble explanations, the agitation clearly written upon her face, her tense posture. His words seemed distant and muffled as she looked at him, truly looked at him.

I know this man...somehow he is familiar to me. His face, his voice, but not from any vessel I have travelled on.

Deanna’s memories had once been so sharp and clear, faces and places filed in her memory banks with incredible accuracy that she could pluck such stored information without a second’s thought. Her death and resurrection had changed her, oftentimes frustrating her as she found herself scouring through precious data through a foggy haze during times of recognition.

Deanna found herself drawn back to Cross. He spoke of Lapis Cove as a danger to all, a place of violent acts and disturbing behaviors, but that was all. Nothing specific was mentioned about their intended voyage save for one key part...they were expendable. Cross was sharp enough to ask for sailors and mercenaries with the promise of vast amounts of gold knowing that the greedy would not think to question the why and ignore their own potential deaths abroad.

This man is no Captain. This expedition is not his own, for if it was for his own pleasure, he would have used his own men and not relied on the bribery of dregs. Why waste valuable gold?

Deanna wasn’t stupid. She had read between the lines and deciphered what Cross was saying...and what he wasn’t. A man would not offer such plentiful bounties on his own accord, out of his own pocket, simply because he wished to investigate whatever horrors awaited them at Lapis Cove for his own personal gain or curiosities. No, this man...this imposter who claimed to be a captain...was working for someone powerful and important. Someone with vast amounts of resources and money who held great interest in Lapis Cove. Hence the secrecy, the evasiveness, the lure for those who had nothing to lose and much to potentially gain. Cross, whoever he was (and it annoyed Deanna to no end being unable to place his face), had maintained his honor and silence, but only to his employer who was desperate enough to send Cross out and whoever he could convince to join him to gather intel and perhaps intervene.

Cross then introduced himself and welcomed Mir, and before Deanna could voice her suspicions the ship that was still docked securely rocked violently in what Deanna knew had been once relatively calm waters. Deanna had a split second to see Zaur lurch to the side and fall hard onto the deck flooring, and utter what she assumed was a curse in whatever language he spoke before something round and hard collided with her mouth and chin, jolting her backward to slam against the ship’s wooden railing.

The cries of the girl disguised as Brock (a ridiculously stupid name if you asked Deanna) were heard as Deanna shoved the child off her with a growl, blood already pooling in her mouth as Brock/Rahne’s forehead impacted with her face hard enough to cause Deanna’s lower lip to split in the center. As the young girl rubbed at the lump that was already forming above her eye, Deanna righted herself, rubbing at the sharp pain in her lower back and shot the girl a look before leaning over the railing to spit blood into the Harbor waters. In doing so, she scanned the azure blue below, searching for whatever it was that came in contact with the Phoenix.

“Was it a shark?” Deanna glanced sideways at Brock/Rahne and shook her head briefly before moving slowly down the length of the ship, amber eyes continuously scanning the water’s depths.

“A whale?” The hopeful sound of the young girl’s voice caused Deanna to scowl. Was this child an idiot? Deanna wanted to ask her such, but realized that the child simply afraid to consider anything nefarious. Idly Deanna wondered if the calamity had drawn the attentions of anyone else in the dockside vicinity.

“No,” she said softly to wide eyed teenager. “Not a shark, not a whale, and not another ship.” Deanna’s head turned to glance at the others on board and noted they too were peering overboard, frightened and concerned for what had just taken place. Cross drew his sword with an ease and expertise that bestowed a seasoned warrior, unaware that Deanna was watching him, and that was when Deanna finally put the puzzle pieces together. It was that precise moment that it dawned upon her exactly where she had seen Cross before. Almost positive he was going by an alias now, though she had not met the man face to face previously, Deanna knew that Cross was indeed a soldier. A Grand City soldier. She had fought, not quite beside him, during the attacks of the Val`nothe and Aliscowri before meeting her end at the hands of Terra Vale. It was Cross, or whatever his name was, who was leading a battalion on the Harbor side to fend off the Val`nothe and bring citizens to safety, while Deanna and others readied themselves with crossbows at the main gates. Cross was high ranking military and he answered to no one but the King he served.

Elias. Elias Lowell. That is his name. The boy king that I never met, but who was prepared to have me executed to satisfy the masses...and one vengeful bitch of Bariston.

“What was that?! Look!”

It was the young cross-dressing girl that drew Deanna’s attention away from Cross and the frantic cry she leaned over the railing, a shaking finger pointed at a particular area in the Harbor waters. Deanna’s gaze followed to where she pointed and for the briefest of moments, she could see something, the faintest of shadows of something...large...before it disappeared altogether.

Deanna whipped her head to face Cross, her body following suit and from the reaction on the Captain’s face, from his body language and the manner in which he gripped his sword, Deanna knew that whatever was down below, Cross had seen as well.

She shoved Brock/Rahne aside and marched over to where the Captain stood, her eyes narrowed sharply.

“If you know what that was, I suggest you quit with the games and lies and tell us now. If not, well, I don’t believe in coincidence, but I can bet something does not want this particular ship to sail Lapis Cove. This attack was a warning Cross, and I can promise you more will follow,” Deanna’s words were sharp and accusatory, and she was fully prepared to do battle with the Captain for ‘presuming’ to tell him of his duties. But Deanna took a breath to steady herself, her features and words softening some as she directed her next words quietly to him.

“This isn’t like the war, Cross. We had the strength and forces to fight the cannibals and the beast from the sky,” Deanna’s gaze met his as she wondered if her words would have any impact on him. “There are but a handful of us here, and whatever is down there is big enough to destroy this ship and sink whatever remains to a watery grave, and that includes us.” Deanna was trying to be reasonable with the Captain, and she hoped that the change of tone would assist her in convincing him to understand her logic. Deanna’s assertive and no nonsense attitude had previously come across as pushy and demanding, so it would be up to Cross to discern the difference.

“You are Captain. Be Captain. You say we are to leave on the morrow? There won’t be a ship by tomorrow if this thing returns. Either set sail now and we take our chances in the open waters, or abort this mission and evacuate the crew to safety. If your mission to Lapis Cove is so dire and cannot be compromised for any reason whatsoever, then I will sail with you Cross, regardless of whatever in hell that thing was.”

Deanna paused for a moment and straightened, unable to help the commanding tone that crept into her voice. “But make a decision and make it now...or I will.”