Post by Jade on Apr 11, 2024 19:50:27 GMT -5
Five large vessels rocked dangerously on choppy waves as men rushed about their decks and rigging in a desperate attempt to get things locked down in the face of the freak storm churning ominously overhead. Wind and rain lashed boat and bodies alike that had been enjoying a warm, pleasant day mere moments prior. Orders shouted had to contend with the roar of the wind as it picked up and the deafening clap of thunder as lightning struck one of the ships' masts.
"We're still not sure where this storm came from - there was barely a cloud in the sky a minute ago!" explained a young man, doing his best to stand his ground on the deck of the largest ship.
The man he was reporting to - a large, stocky man with buzzed-short black hair, wearing a white jacket over his shoulders in mockery of the Marines' own officers - didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the black clouds above. "... Aye, 'cause this isn't just some freak storm. Get everyone battle-ready on the double - I want men armed, I want cannons pointing into the sky, now!"
A second after the order came out, a sickly green bolt of lightning flew from the storm above and struck the deck of the ship to the port side of the small fleet's flagship. Men cried out, in fear and then confusion at the sparking spear stuck in the planks - and then again as those sparks shot out in all directions, that same green lightning arcing outward in a dozen different directions. A second bolt of unnatural lightning crackled in the storm above, putting a massive, serpentine thing residing within in silhouette for a split second-
And then all other sounds and sights were drowned out by a flash of lightning and a violent roar, of wind and thunder and draconic fury. The fleet's flagship dropped into the sea nearly ten feet, then rose up again, rocking dangerously as a great beast dug its claws into the mast. The captain released his grip on the railing, gritting his teeth from the impact, while the reporting crew member's body hit the deck hard. "Well, well, well. Can't say I expected to see you so soon," the captain spoke, voice projecting so that it would carry up to the beast ahead, even as he reached for the heavy polearm strapped to his back. "Get the hell off my ship."
"Your ship?" The wingless dragon's long neck twisted about, pointing the snake-like head in the voice's direction. "More like my ship. Unless you make me sink it! But c'mon, I don't think either of us wants that - so let's strike a deal! You bend the knee without a fight, and I'll even let you keep command of this ship for yourself once we add a couple more to the fleet."
"Cheap intimidation tactics won't get you far with me," Bardiche swung his oversized axe about, gripping it with both hands. "You think you're invincible - but you're still just a cocky brat. It's long past time someone put you in your place, Gain!" Heavy boots hit the deck a moment after the man vaulted himself over the railing, approaching Gain even as flashes of green began to light up within the dragon's throat.
--The Next Day, On a Certain Island--
The harsh, out-of-season storm had ended sometime in the night. The sun began to rise, bringing with it comforting warmth and a light that made everything seem that bit more hopeful - though a certain black-scaled dragon, still surrounded by the wrecked trees and foliage from her sudden crash-landing, merely groaned and curled further in on herself, as far from being ready to face the coming day as one could possibly be...
