Apologies for the long wait! In truth, I have all these parts saved but am just too lazy to post them XD Don't worry, they'll eventually be up though!
I just paid a visit to the Stat section of my account and judging by the numbers there should be around 20 ish people who have actually read/are reading this story up to the last chapter posted. Hmm, if ye have time, drop a kind word or two, will ye? ; )
Anywho…
This one's rather (really) short. I'll try to have the next part up really soon to compensate
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Skipper strolled through the village, looking at the different huts and stalls. He had dismissed his crew, allowing them to explore Ayon for a few hours. "We're guests here, after all," he had said. On top of that, Ignaceous had sent a messenger to inform them that they were invited to a feast in the village square that evening. "Probably to celebrate Torq's return," the Buizel concluded.
The villagers had mixed reactions about the strange newcomer. Some shrank into the shadows as the sea weasel approached, while others openly greeted him. Either way, Skipper didn't mind. He paused, admiring a stall of plump, colorful fruit.
"All grown right here on the island, sir," a proud looking Miltank exclaimed.
"They're beauties, ma'am," praised the Buizel.
The bovine grinned widely before turning to help other customers.
"Ah, a stranger from the sea."
Skipper sought out the speaker. She was a mysterious looking Kirlia, donning deep velvet robes and an assortment of jewelry. Skip smiled knowingly, "Ah, a seer."
She inclined her head in acknowledgement, "I sensed your aura long before you landed here. Would you like to have your fortune read?"
The Buizel replied, "Ahh, no thanks, miss. No disrespect to ye, but I don't believe in those kinds of things. I bid ye good night." He touched a paw to his bandana in respect and turned to leave.
"As you wish, Captain Skipper, son of Borius and Aurora."
Skipper stopped and faced the Kirlia, shocked, "How did you know that?"
The psychic said nothing, but grinned and disappeared into the surrounding foliage.
"Wait!" The sea weasel ran after her, and came upon a tiny straw hut. "The Eye of Zephora" was written on a sign, with the symbol of a psychic eye painted in violet and gold. An elaborate tapestry hung at the entrance, serving as a doorway. The sea Captain hesitated before pushing the cloth aside and entering the abode.
It was a cramped space, with nothing but a woven mat on the ground. However, numerous charms and beads hung from the walls and ceilings.
"Welcome," said Zephora the Kirlia in a mystifying voice, spreading her arms wide, "Please, sit down."
Skip eyed her suspiciously, "Alright then. Let's see what you can do."
The seer gave a small chuckle and took the Buizel's paw. She closed her eyes and ran her fingers up and down, across his palm, to his claw tips. Finally, she traced the thin scar on his palm, "Ahh, ship naming. A tradition passed down by your father, I assume?"
"You assume correct," Skipper replied, awed by her psychic ability.
"Hm… rebellious, determined, ambitious, yet kind-hearted…I sense a great destiny in store for you… oh, but great peril as well."
The Buizel laughed, "That's the story of my life, miss."
Zephora chuckled again, "How very much like your father you are."
At once, Skipper grew cold. "Yer treading deep water, my friend," he growled, rising slowly.
"You cannot escape your past. It is in your very blood."
"My father," the sea weasel spat, "was a black hearted murderer! And I ain't a saint, but you said yourself I'm kind-hearted at least. Methinks that be a great difference!"
The seer looked stunned for a moment. Then, she closed her eyes and bowed her head in admiration. "Very wise, sir. It appears I was wrong. Yes, it seems that that quality does set the two of you apart."
There she sat, as if in a trance. A foreboding vibe hung in the air, a ringing. Then all of a sudden, her eyes flashed open. She grasped Skipper's paws and said in a voice that sent chills down his spine, "Listen to me, Skipper of the Seatunder. Great evil sails across the sea, engulfing everything in its wake. Take your friends and flee now! Sail far, far away and do not return, lest you are prepared to suffer a great sadness!"
The room seemed to grow dark. Skipper backed away, but all around him was nothingness. Then, a wave of energy lifted him off his feet and threw him backwards.
"Zephora!" he yelled, but when he opened his eyes, the seer and the hut were both gone.
The sea weasel's heart pounded like a drum. Sea monsters, pirates, and storms he could take, but just now… he could not remember being more scared.
"Skip!"
The Buizel jumped, then sighed with relief, "Oh, Flint, it's only you, mate."
The gator sensed there was something wrong, "Something troubling ye? Yer sweating…."
Skipper stared at his life-long friend. How could he just tell him what had just happened and suggest that they run for their lives? A cool wind blew through the trees. The sea captain took a deep breath and felt his fear dissipate into the peaceful surroundings. He reasoned with himself. Great evil sails across the sea… "I ain't afraid of anybeast above or below the sea…" Take your friends and flee…"I don't run from danger." It wasn't that he didn't believe the Kirlia. He felt wary because of her prophecy, but did not feel the need to start acting drastically. The words echoed in his head again, Sail far… do not return. That was just not his way.
"Skip?" Flint asked again. He was concerned about the Buizel, who didn't often act like this.
"Hahar, it's nothing, mate. Just woke up from a bad dream, that's all." Skipper was back.
The Totodile sighed with relief, "Good. I've been lookin' all over for ye! Come on, I've got something to show ye at the Cook's Den!" He motioned for Skip to follow, and took off.
The familiar grin returned to the sea weasel's face as he pursued his friend. "If something bad is about to happen, I'll meet it head on," he decided.
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Looking at the later parts, this bit isn't really needed, but meh, I just put it in for fun I guess.. oh wait, Zephora might be important in the future, hmm, who knows.
If you bother to review, may I ask which character you like the most and why? Just curious XD
See you next chapter then!
Cheers!