7. From the Depths
Jim Staves peered through the rain and darkness trying to find their targets. He spoke into the communication orb attached to the mast.
"Captain, no sight of the enemy ship! I can't see through this bloody rain and the waves are getting the way of what I can see."
"Dammit Jim you're up there to give us eyes! Now what on Runeterra do you see?"
Jim looked over the crest of a wave as the Stormbreaker rode over the wave. There in front of him, coming up the wave was their target. He shouted back into the orb.
"Captain they're right in front of us!"
"Give me a distance!"
Jim's eyes widened as he saw the ship suddenly accelerate towards them.
"Captain, they're right in front of us! They're on a collision course!"
At that moment the Dead Pool leapt off of the break and sailed into the air towards the Stormbreaker. Jim could see the reinforced hull of the ship surging straight towards him and he ran round to the rope at the back of the crow's nest. He looked behind as the ship closed the distance. Jim leapt from the nest and swung on the rope right as the Dead Pool smashed through the crow's nest. The nest was obliterated under the weight and speed, turning it into a shower of splinters that Jim found himself swinging beneath. Jim heard the mast groan and crack under the immense strain. Unfortunately for the Stormbreaker and its crew the mast was reinforced to the ship so as it bent to the weight of the Dead Pool, the Stormbreaker followed. Jim watched as the ship began to lurch and in the blink of an eye the Stormbreaker capsized. The crew were shouting and yelling as they fell into the storm churned sea. Jim's swing ended and he was left dangling over the dark waters. He watched as the crew floated in the water, organising themselves into groups to await rescue from the rest of the fleet. To his right he could see the Captain swimming over to join the group. Jim held onto the rope and looked back over to the group to see they were using their lifelines to stay attached to the ship and afloat in the churning waters. Suddenly a scream erupted to Jim's right and he turned his head to see the source of the distress. The scream was clearly from the Captain but the Captain himself was nowhere to be seen. Jim looked around frantically but the Captain was gone. Jim called out to the dark waters.
"Captain! Captain!"
Before Jim could continue he heard more screams and turned his head to see the group of survivors. Or what remained of them. Some were pulling themselves through the water towards the ship. The others were simply gone. Then Jim watched as it happened. Shelly was pulling herself towards the ship when she suddenly disappeared. Before she had a chance to scream her body disappeared under the water. Only a dozen survivors remained and Jim watched in horror as they disappeared in a manner of seconds. Jim clung to the rope with all his strength, the fear and cold making his body shiver as he swung in the howling wind and rain.
If I stay up here the fleet will find me when they come, Jim told this to himself over and over. Then he felt it. The rope jerked and swayed as the ship shifted violently. Jim felt himself choking up. The ship wasn't sinking; it was being pulled under.
Fate and Gangplank braced themselves as the Dead Pool smashed through the mast of the ship. Ahead of them they saw the remaining fleet battling the waters. There were six ships, two closing in either side of the Dead Pool and the remaining four lingering behind. Fate turned and saw the ship they'd hit had capsized; just as the cards had shown him. Gangplank roared at his crew.
"Prepare to fire on mark!"
The pair watched from the helm as the crew prepared the topside cannons and Gangplank knew that below deck the cannons would be primed and ready. Gangplank watched as the two ships closing in wrestled with the waves. The Captain saw his opening and turned the wheel. The ship rode over the crest of a wave and suddenly the Dead Pool had a clear shot to both ships which were both misaligned and still trying to line up their target.
"Fire!"
The order reverberated throughout the ship and the sound that followed made Fate flinch and block his ears. The ship erupted into a chaotic uproar of cannon fire as every gun aboard the Dead Pool was fired at the targets. Fate watched the ships either side of them exploded as holes erupted in their hulls and masts. Splinters and smoke were the signs of the successful carnage but Fate knew the crew of the Dead Pool weren't done yet. With ruthless efficiency the cannons were reloaded and fired within thirty five seconds. The second wave of cannon fire was almost perfectly simultaneous and the enemy ships didn't stand a chance as they blown to smithereens. Crumbling wreckages were all that remained of the enemy vessels and the crew cheered and roared to their success. Gangplank looked at Fate.
"Ye take the one on the far right, we'll hold out till ye finish her off."
Fate nodded.
"Aye aye Captain."
Fate peered through the crashing waves till he got a clear line of sight to the ship. With a blink of the eye Fate was gone. Gangplank returned his attention to the advancing ships, his concern growing about the odds they now faced; three against one was bad no matter how good the ship and crew were. Gangplank knew they had one slim chance. He shouted down to Shiv who was below on the deck.
"Shiv, we make for the flagship!"
Shiv smiled and replied.
"Cut the head off the shark!"
The first mate ran across the deck to relay the orders and prepare for the assault. Gangplank knew Fortune's ship would have a reinforced hull and exchanging cannon would take too long and leave them exposed to flanking. He yelled back to the deck to Shiv who had reappeared.
"Prepare the boarding parties, we'll take the fight to them!"
"Ay, ay Captain!"
Suddenly the ship lurched forward and Gangplank looked behind as a huge wave pushed around the side of the ship. Then past that he saw the centre of the storm, its calm waters awaiting them. Gangplank realised the storm was moving. Then he saw something that made his blood boil. The calm centre began to churn as the crashing waves pressed on every side. Moments passed and the calm waters began to pick up speed. Gangplank spun the wheel and guided the Dead Pool through the waves till they reached the centre. Shiv joined Gangplank and spoke to him.
"Captain what are you doing!?"
The Captain of the Dead Pool looked at his first mate and smiled.
"The current Shiv. There's a current."
Shiv looked and saw that the calm centre where that they were navigating had developed a current that spun clockwise around the centre. Shiv snarled and spoke.
"Captain is that what I think it is!?"
At that moment the fleet burst through the waves into the centre opposite the Dead Pool.
Gangplank answered his first mate's question.
"Yes they've lost control of the storm; the current is becoming a maelstrom!"
Shiv watched as the centre began to dip, the current moved faster and faster. Gangplank gripped the wheel, wrestling with it to combat the powerful current. He saw that the four ships were across from them. Then the cannon fire began.
The water around the Dead Pool exploded as cannonballs missed their aim. Gangplank yelled at Shiv.
"Return fire and remember to take the speed of the current into account!'
"Ay, ay Captain!"
Shiv ran back down to the deck to give the orders. The Dead Pool once again became music to Gangplank's ears. The thundering of cannons, the shouting of his crew, the feel of rain against his face; the possibility of his demise. Gangplank looked up into the air; this was the life for him and soon he would rule it all. Now if that bloody gypsy would do his job.
Fate looked through the waves and saw the ship to the far right. He blinked and before he could another breathe he found himself atop the mast of the ship. A surprised sailor barely had time to yell before Fate threw a golden ace at him and finished up by slipping another card through his heart. The sailor crumpled and Fate looked around. Down below the sailors of the ship were busy preparing the weapons for the impending battle. Fate grabbed the rope at the base of the crow's nest and rappelled down till he landed on the deck. The rain and chaos hid his presence allowing him to easily slip below deck. Beneath the rain and turmoil Fate found no refuge. As soon as he stepped down the flight of stairs a dozen eyes fell on him and they clearly knew who he was. Snarls and grins appeared on the faces of the sailors around him as they drew swords. Fate held up his hands.
"See here fella's can't we talk about this?"
A sailor charged at him so Fate threw his wild cards. One sliced through the charging sailor and he dropped to the floor. The left one lodged itself into the hull whilst the right one killed another sailor. The sailors changed tactics and charged as a group. Fate drew a glowing red ace and threw it; with only five feet of space left. The card hit the chest of a sailor and exploded. The explosion made Fate stumble back but knocked several other sailors away, sending their limp bodies tumbling over crates and barrels. Only five remained and they had been surprised by the explosion. Fate used the momentum to his advantage and began throwing cards. Three cards were needed to take down the first sailor whilst his fourth card erupted upon impact and took out a second. By this point the three remaining sailors had engaged Fate. They swung their swords which Fate nimbly evaded. One sailor lunged but Fate easily spun and retrieved a pistol from his hip. Fate kept his eyes on the remaining two as he fired the pistol through the man's heart.
The other two sailors now hesitated as Fate looked at the pistol.
"How crude."
He tossed aside the weapon and drew three cards.
"Now boys if you would be so kind as to show me where you store your gunpowder."
Gangplank watched as the ships exchanged cannon fire across the maelstrom. Suddenly a ship in the middle of the fleet exploded in a ball of fire and smoke. Fate reappeared next to Gangplank.
"You miss me Captain?"
"Like a bad rash. Good job."
"There's still three of them."
The gypsy and the pirate looked out from the helm across the maelstrom which was beginning to form a deep centre. The three remaining ships were firing at the Dead Pool but had to navigate the burning wreck of the ship that began to slip into the centre. The ship spun round the centre until it was quickly pulled under by the currents. Gangplank saw their opportunity and smiled.
"There Fate at the back of the fleet."
Fate looked and saw that at the back was a ship bearing the flag of two guns. Fate looked Gangplank.
"What's the plan Captain?"
Gangplank smiled.
"Shock and awe Fate. Shock and awe."
With that he turned the wheel into the maelstrom and Fate gripped the guardrail as they sped up into the current. Gangplank knew he had to time this right. Too far from the centre they wouldn't pick up enough speed to catch Fortune; too close and they could be pulled down under the dark waters. Fate looked at his cards and Gangplank rode the currents like breathing. Fate scrambled through his cards, he didn't know what to look for; he wasn't a pirate, let alone a sailor. Gangplank felt the pull of the current and dipped in a little further. Fate yelled.
"Captain!"
Gangplank ignored his panic and continued. As Fate stared wide-eyed into the maelstrom, Gangplank saw the Dead Pool gaining on their target. Gangplank felt a tug and he spun the wheel back out. The Dead Pool slipped across the currents and with the speed of the current guiding them they came up right behind Fortune's ship. Gangplank looked at Fate.
"What's the matter gypsy? Didn't like those odds?"
"I never gamble unless I have an ace up my sleeve."
"Fate on these waters, I am yer ace."
With that Gangplank yelled at his crew below.
"Prepare to board!"
The crew responded by roaring and cheering as they drew swords and pistols, excited by the prospect of taking the fight to the enemy. Gangplank spun the wheel and brought the Dead Pool alongside Fortune's ship, making sure that her ship was between his and the maelstrom. Gangplank looked up to the helm of the ship and sure enough standing behind the wheel was an enraged Fortune. The pair made eye contact briefly, the challenge had been made. Gangplank and Fortune broke their gaze and shouted at the same time.
"Attack!"
Fate needed no encouragement and joined the sailors on the mast. He grabbed a rope and swung down into the fray. Sailors from Fortune's ship had begun their swing as well. Fate swerved to avoid a sword and threw a card in response which sent the sailor tumbling into the ocean. Fate landed on the deck and fanned his cards out around him so they spun wildly. Enemy sailors advanced on all sides so Fate began his attack. He threw wild cards to keep the sailors at bay and make kills. Allied pirates joined the fray and helped to push back the sailors. Fate dodged swords and stepped out of the paths of gunshots. He threw red cards to take down groups, gold cards to give him space and blue cards when he has feeling drained. He saw Miss Fortune begin running towards so he drew a gold card. Suddenly she jumped up the mast to retrieve a rope. She completely ignored Fate as she swung across to the Dead Pool, her gun quickly eliminating pirates.
"This has been a long time coming Fate."
Fate's heart dropped and he spoke.
"Now what are the odds of this?"
Gangplank watched as Fortune swung across, her pistol making short work of any pirates that tried to stop her. She landed with a resounding thud, her seductive features somewhat dulled by the fierce expression on her face. Shiv joined Gangplank at the wheel.
"Let me take the wheel Captain."
"Good idea."
Gangplank stepped away and drew his sword and pistol. He walked down the steps as Fortune walked from the bow of the ship towards him. The pair maintained eye contact, the fire of battle burning within them. A few pirates tried charging Miss Fortune but without looking she shot them dead. A sailor charged Gangplank but met a similar fate at the end of Gangplank's pistol. The pair finally closed the distance till they faced off on the deck. Gangplank spoke first.
"This desperate even for you Fortune."
Fortune sneered.
"The League can barely control what happens out here on the open sea. Ships get lost all the time. Who care if one more pirate ship sinks anyway!?"
"You and what fleet Fortune? I've already sunk four of yer ships and there's barely a scratch on mine."
Gangplank looked out into the maelstrom to see the other two ships were now opposite, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. Fortune smirked.
"Well now you're in for it! It's just you and me."
"Bilgewater is mine Fortune give it up!"
"Scum like you is what drives Bilgewater into the mud!"
"I am the born leader for our nation!"
"Over my dead body."
"So be it."
Their locked eyes didn't break once as Fortune raised her pistols.
Gangplank charged with his sword raised as Fortune yelled at him.
"I always shoot first!"
Fortune fired a double up and Gangplank felt the bullet rip through his shoulder. He continued charging and quickly jammed a wedge of fruit into his mouth. He felt the wound heal as he closed the gap. Fortune continued firing but several of her shots missed, others simply grazed Gangplank. Gangplank swung his sword at Fortune but she easily ducked under it and brought her pistol up to Gangplank's chin. The hammer smashed down and the pirate only just narrowly avoided getting his face blown off. Gangplank spun round and slashed the sword at Fortune. The tip of the blade slashed across Fortune's cheek and she stepped back to line up another shot. Suddenly she groaned and flinched. Gangplank chuckled.
"Grog poison has a kick to it eh?"
"Dirty fighting, what else would I expect from a pirate."
"Few more moments and I'll be using ye for chum."
"Don't get cocky!"
With that Fortune lifted her arm into the air and fired upwards. Gangplank aimed forward and fired his pistol at her. The bullet pierced her arm and she spun round under the impact. Gangplank looked up and saw the rain had become mixed with pellets from Fortune's attack. He dove backwards to get out of the area of effect but the pellets were too quick and the captain felt the smash his legs and back as clear the attack. He groaned and picked himself up as he looked around. His crew were struggling against the invading sailors so Gangplank lifted his pistol and fired into the air. The pirates around him roared as their morale lifted, their attacks quickening. It took only a few moments for the tides to turn and the pirates had momentum against the sailors. Fortune had recovered and look at the advancing crew. She lifted her pistols and Gangplank's eyes widened. He yelled out to his crew.
"Incoming fire! Get down!"
Several of the pirates were able to respond in time but others weren't. Fortune let loose her guns and open fired. Waves of bullets erupted from her guns and smashed through the pirates who were still standing. Gangplank rolled to the side and found cover behind the mast which absorbed the immense impact. The captain looked back round to see that dozens of pirates and sailors had fallen to the attack. This had to end now. Gangplank knew he couldn't fire his cannon barrage whilst aboard his own ship so he would have to do this the old fashioned way. He was ready to charge at Fortune when a sight caught his eye. He stopped charging and stood still. Fortune did not advance on him instead she joined him by the side of the ship as they looked into the maelstrom; fear taking a hold of them.
Fate spun round to face the voice. He barely avoided the attack which grazed his cheek. The pellets sliced across his cheek and he recoiled from the impact. The voice spoke again.
"This is the end of the line Fate."
Fate looked up at Malcom Graves as he advanced with his shotgun primed and aimed. Fate spoke quickly to him.
"Malcolm; should've figured you were the one to put the bounty up for me."
"Nah that wasn't me."
Fate felt confusion seep into his expression.
"I received the bounty but turned it down. I don't want someone else to settle my score."
"So you threw in your chips with Miss Fortune?"
"Her and I came to an arrangement. I get you, she gets Gangplank."
Fate had to turn the advantage back to himself and he knew how.
"Well we know how partnerships work out for you so I'm surprised you're so willing to work with her."
Graves roared and aimed.
"I've got no time for games!"
Graves fired a buckshot straight at Fate.
Fate knew that was coming and easily swerved out of the target cone area. Fate drew his card and threw it at full speed. The fight with the sailors had left him drained so he threw a glowing blue ace. The card struck Graves in the chest and sent him tumbling across the deck. Fate felt magic flow back into his veins and smiled.
"Now, now Malcolm you of all people should know to keep your cool in a battle."
Graves groaned and picked himself up.
"You're dead man walkin' Fate."
"Such harsh words Malcolm; might even hurt my feelings."
Fate had the advantage now that Graves was becoming enraged.
Graves lifted his shotgun and aimed at Fate.
"Well let's see how you feel after this!"
Fate looked at the cards in his hand.
Graves fired an explosive shell a second after finishing his sentence. The shell smashed into Fate's chest and exploded. Fate didn't have the time to dodge it; instead the explosion sent him tumbling over the edge of the ship into the churning water. Darkness took Fate.
Fate teleported half a second after Graves finished speaking. The gypsy was to Graves' right with his gold card drawn but Graves had enough time to react as he hadn't begun his attack so he spun round a fired the explosive shell. It missed Fate and hit the mast behind him. The mast was no match for the intense force of the explosive and it began to fall. Fate was ready to run when suddenly he heard Graves speak.
"Lights out."
Suddenly Fate was engulfed in smoke, making him cough and gag. Before Fate could recover the mast came down on top of him. Darkness took Fate.
Fate flipped the card over. Graves pressed down on the trigger and Fate teleported. Graves fired and the shell smashed into the side of the ship causing it to explode. Graves couldn't see what had become of Fate until he heard a voice from behind him.
"Looks like Lady Luck is on my side."
Before Graves could turn around a card crashed into his back and the outlaw felt his body lock up. Suddenly Graves roared in pain as a wild card slipped through his body, tearing his muscles open. The stun ended and Graves collapsed to his knees, clutching his chest. He looked up to see Fate standing over him. Fate spoke to him.
"What is it you say Malcolm like fish in a barrel."
Malcolm sneered and replied.
"You really are a gutless cheat."
Fate leaned in.
"Isn't that why you joined up with me?"
Graves was too weak to fight back so instead he launched his head forward and smashed his forehead into Fate's nose. Fate stumbled back and clutched his nose as he groaned. Graves smirked and spoke.
"Didn't see that in the cards did you partner?"
Fate chuckled.
"I see you haven't lost your touch."
Fate drew another gold card, ready to end the fight. He spoke to Graves.
"But every partnership comes to a close."
Fate was ready to throw the card when he saw something from the corner of his eye. Across the maelstrom he saw something that made his lock up with terror.
Fortune and Gangplank ordered their crews to return to their posts immediately and cease hostilities. Fortune and Gangplank swung over to Fortune's ship which was closest to the centre of the maelstrom. There they relayed the same orders much to the surprise of their crews. Fortune saw Graves kneeling on the deck and ran over to him. She inspected his wounds before shouting to Gangplank.
"Gangplank I need you help!"
Gangplank ran over and grabbed a piece of fruit from his belt. He handed it to Graves who ate it. Fate walked over and helped up Graves as he spoke.
"On your feet Malcolm we're going to need you."
Graves was confused by the sudden peace until he looked out into the maelstrom. The four champions walked to the guardrail of the ship and looked into the stormy waters. Across from them were the two remaining ships of Fortune's fleet were under attack. The source of the attack came from the centre of the maelstrom. Rising from the depths of the dark waters was a creature of immense size and might. A long grey head with a dozen eyes sat over a snarling mouth. From the water around it were dozens of tentacles as thick as masts. The creature had tentacles wrapped around a ship and before any of the champions could say anything the tentacles tightened and snapped the ship in half. The ship exploded into splinters as the crew and cargo poured into the dark waters. The four watched in horror as smaller tentacles lifted writhing bodies up and into the creature's mouth. The second ship was firing at the tentacles that advanced on it but it was clear they wouldn't hold out much longer. Fortune spoke as they watched the creature devour and destroy the two ships.
"Fizz spoke of this creature, but he said it probably didn't exist. His people told tales of a great creature that would hide in storms and devour ships foolish enough to be caught in them."
Gangplank spoke as ran a hand through his beard.
"Well clearly it exists and now it's time to serve it up with a side chips and rum!"
He turned to Fortune.
"First we need to turn off yer weather manipulator."
Fortune's eyes suddenly widened.
"We thought you were manipulating the weather, to escape us."
Fate spoke.
"I can feel the magic ebbing from the creature. It must be manipulating the weather. That's how it hunts."
Graves had finished reloading his shotgun and pumped it before speaking.
"Then we use all the firepower we have in our arsenal to take this thing out."
Gangplank and Fortune met eyes but it was the Bounty Hunter that spoke first.
"I suppose we can set aside our differences for the time being."
Gangplank was a little more direct.
"I just want to get out this alive."
He looked at Fate and the pair turned to return to their ship. Fate had a hold of his rope when a voice stopped him.
"Fate."
He turned to look at Graves.
"Don't die Fate. We have a score to settle."
Fate nodded and replied.
"The same to you Malcolm, the League wouldn't be the same without having to watch my back every five minutes."
With that Fate and Gangplank swung back over to the Dead Pool. The deck had been cleared of the dead bodies. Their lifeless corpses sent to the watery graves they had lived on for all their lives. Gangplank and Fate joined Shiv at the helm as the first mate spoke to his captain.
"Captain, what in seven hells is that creature!?"
"Dinner is what it is Shiv. Prepare the crew to fire the cannons."
"We've taken a few causalities and injuries captain."
"Just be ready to fire a cannon barrage on me order."
"Ay, ay captain."
Shiv ran off to give out the orders as Fate spoke to Gangplank.
"What's the plan captain? Baron is enough trouble as it is, but that creature is at least three times larger. Not to mention if it's controlling the weather then it has a clear advantage."
"Ye don't think I know that!"
"Just saying."
Gangplank went into thought as he guided the ship away from Fortune's. He had to get distance from Fortune so they could flank the creature and give themselves the best opportunity to take it out. They would have a few moments to get into position whilst it finished devouring the two ships but once it saw them they wouldn't have long to fire till those tentacles tore the ship in half. Gangplank spoke to Fate.
"We need to fire everything we have on that creature."
"But we can only fire one side, not mention it's in the centre of the maelstrom so how are we going to get the right angle?"
Gangplank cursed himself for not considering that. The creature used the dip in the maelstrom to provide itself cover from any cannon fire. Instead of being nervous Gangplank smiled and spoke.
"Fate why would a creature of that size need so many tentacles and cover?"
Fate pondered and responded as he realised.
"Because it's not a hardened creature, there's no way it'll be tough enough to withstand cannon fire!"
"I just need to get into the right position! Hold it off till I give the signal!"
Fate nodded.
"Aye captain."
Fate ran down onto deck and began helping to prepare. Gangplank looked up through the pouring rain and saw the creature had finished with the ships, its attention now on the two ships left. Gangplank lifted his pistol ready to give the signal to fire when without warning the creature disappeared. It vanished into the water, the darkness and rain masking its movements. Gangplank gripped the wheel, ready for whatever came next. But nothing happened, instead they just kept moving round the centre. He looked up and saw Fortune's ship but something was wrong. They were getting closer. Gangplank realised the ship was moving faster, bit by bit. He yelled down to the deck.
"The creature is speeding up the current! We're moving closer to the centre be prepared!"
The crew braced themselves but what came next but what came next caught everyone off guard. Without warning dozens of tentacles erupted from the water and surged at the ship. Several pirates who weren't fast enough were grabbed and dragged from the ship before anyone could save them. Other tentacles crashed onto the ship, ready to drag it down. The crew set to work hacking away at the tentacles. Fate fought back the tentacles from the bow of the ship, keeping them at bay with his cards. Fate saw a tentacle wrap around the ankle of a pirate so he threw a gold card causing the tentacle to lock up whilst another pirate brought an axe down onto the soft flesh, cutting straight through. Fate breathed a sigh of relief but he knew this was far from over. Gangplank continued to wrestle with the wheel as the current threatened to pull them into the crushing darkness of the maelstrom. He looked across the other side where he could see the explosions of Graves' and Fortunes guns making short work of the attacking tentacles. They had to bide their time till the creature revealed itself.
Before Gangplank could make another thought he slipped and crashed to the ground. He spun and saw that a tentacle was wrapped around his ankle and dragging him towards the aft. In a few moments he could be over and sinking into the water. He drew his pistol and fired a shot into the tentacle which caused it to let go and retreat. Gangplank stood up but before he could recover the helm was assaulted by tentacles. Gangplank felt the ship beginning to slip into the currents pull without his guidance but he had more pressing matters. With only his sword and pistol he held back the tentacles as they tried to wrench his body from the ship. Gangplank felt panic rise; any more time without someone behind the wheel and they would fall into the centre. From the corner of his eye he saw in the centre that the creature had arisen and was looking straight at the Dead Pool. Gangplank hacked away another tentacle and started to back up to the wheel.
"Don't you worry Captain I've got this."
Shiv's voice from behind was a great comfort to Gangplank who replied as he fought.
"Are the cannons ready for a barrage?"
"Awaiting your orders captain!"
Gangplank rolled away from the assault and turned to fire the signal up into the air. However he something that made him hesitate. Fortune's ship was firing at the creature but the angle made the shots miss and even ones that were on target were intercepted by tentacles. Gangplank saw that from the sky mixed with the pouring rain were Fortune's bullets flying down onto the creature. Suddenly the wind picked up and the bullets strayed from their target, missing the creature. Gangplank cursed the creature and ran down onto the deck. He found several of his crew.
"Ferin, Tolste get up to the helm and guard Shiv with yer lives!"
They replied before running up.
"Aye captain!"
Gangplank ran to the bow of the ship fighting off any tentacles that dared to confront him. He stopped alongside Fate and joined in combatting the tentacles as he yelled at him over the crashing rain.
"Fate we have a problem!"
"What is it now captain!?"
"The creature is controlling the weather which means if I fire my flare for the cannon barrage it'll simply shift the flare and the shots will miss!"
"So we need to get closer where the flare won't miss!"
The pair looked at one another and then at the creature. Fate sighed.
"Why did I agree to this voyage?"
"Ye liked the odds!"
Fate smiled and placed a hand on Gangplank's shoulder. Several tentacles rushed towards them and when they arrived all they was air; the pair had vanished.
Fate looked down as he fell through the rain, the small droplets blinding him. He was glad he had decided to leave his hat below deck as the wind rushed through his hair. He was approaching the creature at a phenomenal speed and the tentacles that rose over its head were his only chance of survival. He swerved towards one as it curved and swayed in the wind. Fate drew a gold card and threw it. The card hit the tentacle and it locked up stiff. Fate hit the soft flesh with his left shoulder and roared in agony as he felt his shoulder dislocate. Using his right hand he gripped the tentacle to give him a moment to look around. He only had a few moments before the stun wore off. He saw his chance and let go of the tentacle so his body slid down the soft limb. He waited till he was close to the creatures head when he started throwing cards at the tentacles. One, two, three. With only moments till he crashed into the waves he threw the fourth behind his back and felt the explosion launch him from the tentacle. It wasn't very powerful but it gave him enough momentum to crash onto the creatures head. Fate groaned as he gripped his shoulder. He could feel the creatures head pulsing as he stood up on the far end from the mouth and eyes. He looked around to see if he could see Gangplank till he looked up and sighed.
Gangplank was racing down towards the creature and cursed the gypsy for teleporting them up so high. He swerved over till he was headed straight for a tentacle. When he drew close to it he spun his body so he was falling feet first. He gripped his sword with both hands and rammed it into the upright tentacle. The soft flesh split open easily but slowed Gangplank down till he found himself dangling from the flailing tentacle. Another tentacle surged towards him to rip him away. Gangplank lifted his legs and swung up till he planted his feet on the second tentacle. The tentacle was moving quickly and wobbled under Gangplank's feet but the Saltwater Scourge had sea legs that could carry him through the rockiest of storms. Gangplank ran along the tentacle and leapt over another tentacle that swiped at him. He stabbed his sword into another tentacle to his left and spun round it till he planted his feet on so he was upright. He looked down and saw his target. He saw several tentacles racing towards him so without further deliberation he leapt from the tentacle down towards the creature. There was only few seconds for Gangplank to line up but he easily manoeuvred his sword into place; to smash into one of the creatures eyes. Gangplank smashed through the pupil which exploded into a mess of goo and pulp. The creature lurched violently as it felt the immense pain of the attack. Gangplank pulled himself from the mess trying to clean the gunk off his body. Fate ran over, stumbling on his land legs. Fate spoke as the creature quivered and churned underneath them.
"Quite the entrance captain!"
"Ye aren't the only who can put on a show gypsy! And what were you thinking teleporting us in so high?"
"My apologies Captain I didn't have time to consult the cards and I didn't want us to teleport our bodies into a tentacle. Now let's bring this show to a close!"
Gangplank drew his pistol and loaded the flare. He aimed it up and fired. The bright red flare lit up in the dark sky and illuminated the target. The pair heard the roar of cannon fire emit from the Dead Pool. Fate turned to Gangplank.
"Captain, how do you propose we escape the impending wave of lethal cannonballs?"
"I really hadn't thought that far forward, I was just thinking of a frontal assault."
Fate paused for a moment to look around at the huge creature around them.
"I must say captain I was rather looking forward to seeing Ionia, never been there before."
"Nothing special, just a whole bunch of peacekins living dull lives."
Fate chuckled as he looked up. It wouldn't be long till the cannonballs arrived, the creature would die and they would sink with it. Fate looked at Gangplank and spoke.
"So tell me, why were we headed to Ionia?"
Gangplank figured there was no harm in telling the Card Master.
"A few weeks ago a diving team found a pirate ship wreck. In it was gem that supposedly burnt with a black flame. From what I heard it's a pirate weapon. However on their way back to Bilgewater they were attacked and it was taken to Ionia. I needed it Fate. If I had gotten that gem I could've finally stood up and taken me place as pirate king."
Fate smiled at the captain, who gaze was on the Dead Pool.
"A Black Flame pirate to lead the Blue Flame Island. Very fitting captain."
Suddenly the first cannonball smashed into the creature and it lurched violently under the force. Fate began to fall but Gangplank caught him; by his left arm. Fate yelled out in pain and Gangplank roared back.
"Suck it up pretty boy!'
Cannonballs continued to smash into the creature, its tentacles flailing as it fell to the power of the Dead Pool. Gangplank looked at Fate and held out his hand.
"It's been fun Fate."
Fate took his hand and shook. Fate looked over Gangplank's shoulder and suddenly pulled the captain down. A harpoon whipped past their heads and lodged itself into the creature. The pair stood and saw a rope fastened from the harpoon back to the Dead Pool. The cannonballs were continuing to fall and the creature was starting to sink with them. Gangplank and Fate ran to the rope and began climbing along at full pace. Gangplank was halfway along the rope when he looked to see Fate struggling with one arm as the rope sank into the churning water. Gangplank could see the Dead Pool was being pulled down with the rope and the captain drew his sword. He looked at Fate and without hesitating he drew his sword. Gangplank brought the sword down and sliced through the rope, sending the gypsy into the darkness. Gangplank fell into the water but quickly tied the rope round his waist. He then turned to swim through the dark water, looking for any sign of Fate. He swam with all his might but he waves were too strong and his body was tiring. Then he saw it, a golden glow from the water to his right. He swam with all his might till he found Fate floating with a golden card lying on his chest. Gangplank wrapped his arms round Fate and tugged on the rope. The crew set to work pulling the pair back to safety. Gangplank watched as the maelstrom weakened with its summoner's demise. Across the maelstrom he saw the tatters that remained of Fortunes ship and he let out a sigh of relief. They were safe for the time being.
The pair was pulled onto deck and the pirates immediately attended to Fates wounded body. Gangplank slumped back against the side of the ship as Shiv walked up to him. Gangplank spoke to his first mate.
"Ye bloody idiot, ye could've sunk the Dead Pool pulling a stunt like that."
"A ship's no good without her captain."
Shiv offered a hand to Gangplank who brushed it away and stood up. The Saltwater Scourge looked at his loyal crew who awaited his next orders.
"North it is ladies and gentlemen, we've lost time already with this little interruption. Let's get back on the way!"
The crew departed to attend to their duties as Gangplank walked up to the helm. The waves had dwindled and the rain had eased to light sprinkle. Gangplank stood in his soaked clothes behind the wheel despite the fact he knew he should rest and dry up but there was nowhere he would rather be. He breathed in the salty air, he felt the wooden wheel under his hands and he saw the open horizon before them. Gangplank smiled as he flicked open his compass and whispered to himself.
"The Black Flame King. Very fitting."