What else can I do but apologize for the long delay? I've been jumping from this internship to that, and honestly, I haven't thought much about this story. And to top that off, this chapter's a short one. But I promise you an update soon, within a week or less. It'll either be long, or I'll have two updates very close to each other. How's that for sucking up, eh? Thanks to Foxyjosh and Jarkes, I haven't forgotten you lot. ; D
Enjoy!
O-O-O
The aura field disintegrated, sucked away into some unknown vortex. There was a rushing sensation, and she was back. The small, homely deck of the Seatunder was once again under her paws, and the happy voices of her friends (Don't call them that!) hummed in the background. There was a shuffling sound next to her.
"Are you okay?" asked Tottle.
Carakl forced a smile and replied, "Yes, just a bit upset about what happened to Gully, nothing more."
The turtle nodded in agreement. Then, a sudden thought hit him. "Hey! Can you find out where that bird is with your powers?"
Unnoticed by the Squirtle, she bristled. But still, her voice was calm. "I was trying to, but its aura is not within my range. Perhaps it is better for us that way." Tot nodded vigorously to that statement while the Lucario continued, "Searching for it has made me tired though. I think I will go take a nap before dinner." She saw Tottle grin widely at her as she passed him and made her way below deck. It made her sick to the stomach. What should I d… She checked herself. A voice in her head said resolutely, "You must survive. That is what has brought you this far, that is all that matters!" But they saved your life, offered you a place in the crew… "They'll be dead soon." But…"And so will you, if you do not act fast!" The Lucario shook her head, the two forces within it clashing wildly. "Fine!" she muttered to herself, "Fine, I'll do it!" She could practically hear the cruel laughter of the Floatzel ringing ominously in the distance.
The kitchen was engulfed in a tantalizing aroma, as expected. Peeking in, Carakl saw the good cook in a corner, sleeping on top of some flour sacks. A huge pot of soup simmered on the stove. She pressed herself against the wall and concentrated. Grunting, she hugged her waist and tensed her abdominal muscles. There was a knot in her stomach that grew tighter with each passing second. Suddenly, she gagged, the lump moving up her throat. Praying no one would come down, the Lucario cringed, mouth wide open as if in a silent scream. It looked as if she was about to hurl, but the next moment, she spat out a small vial. Carakl leaned her head back, breathing heavily. She waited. Good, no one had heard her.
Leaning over the soup pot, the vixen gnawed off the wax holding the stopper, opened the fragile container, and poured its contents into what would be dinner in a few hours. The soup bubbled on, undisturbed. As sharp a chef as Buso was, even he wouldn't be able to detect it, for the liquid in the vial was colorless, odorless, tasteless… and the most powerful sleeping draught on the seas.
O-O-O
O-O-O
The stars were out for a while already when the Lucario's voice rang out, "Dinner, everyone!"
Flint raised an eyebrow. "Where's Buso?"
"Fast asleep. I thought it best to leave him and call you guys myself," she answered. The truth was the Slowpoke had gotten up some time ago to stir and taste his stew (Carakl remembered holding her breath as he sniffed it, almost suspiciously) and dropped like a rock a few minutes later. She had hauled him back onto the sacks.
The gator shrugged. "That's Buso for ye. Alright, I'll serve then." He strolled off below deck, Tottle and Torq following.
Skip came down the mast, as he was changing Gully's bandages, and headed towards the kitchen as well. "You coming, Dori?"
The helmsbeast glared down at them from the wheel, or, at Carakl in particular. "I'll be down in a moment. Start without me."
The Captain nodded and was about to leave when the Lucario spoke, "Please eat with us, Dorian."
The Golduck narrowed his eyes. Carakl put on a look of sincerity and continued, "I…I'd like to make a toast to the crew tonight, as you guys have treated me so well… It wouldn't be complete if you weren't there."
His claws gripped the wheel spokes tightly for a moment before he let go. "Fine. I'll come."
The Lucario beamed at him. "Thank you, it means so much to me."
O-O-O
They were seated at a rectangular table in a small mess room next to the kitchen. Each beast had a steaming bowl in front of them, with Flint literally drooling with anticipation. Skipper had ordered them not to touch the food yet. He took a swig of water, tilting the goblet in Carakl's direction.
The Lucario nodded and rose. "Thank you Captain, for this opportunity to speak."
"I'll drink to that!" cheered Flint, as he made a grab for his bowl.
"Not yet!" Torq hissed, slapping his hand.
Carakl continued, "Six days ago, I was sure that I would not be here today. But one small, courageous member of this crew braved dark waters to save me."
Proud smiles were cast at the tiny turtle, who blushed furiously, as he did when receiving compliments. Tot gave the speaker a shy but grateful grin, and she felt her legs shake.
"It is a shame that one among us was injured today, and I wish him a speedy recovery…"
"Aye, to Gully!" declared the gator, raising his bowl.
It was a good reason to do so, and everyone took a sip from theirs.
"Too early!" Carakl hissed in her mind, but went on nonetheless. A clattering of wood echoed around her. "I must say that this is the closest I've ever come to having a family…"
They were all staring at her, tranquil, dreamy smiles on their faces. Dorian gazed into his bowl sleepily.
"So thank you for taking me in…"
Flint was already snoring.
"Thank you for accepting me as one of your own…"
Dorian stood up and swayed on the spot, casting a hateful, accusing glance at the Lucario.
"Thank you for… trusting me."
He fell, but no one noticed, for they had all already collapsed into their bowls. Soup poured over the table edges. A grim silence clung to the room like death. Done. Her task was done.
"I am… so sorry," she heard herself say.
-O-O-O-
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Ooooooo, what's that saying… "Never trust a vixen" ? I am working on the next chapter, and I really like where its going. What's coming? You'll find out soon enough
-Canyx