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 Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 10:36 pm
A world where those who are different are hunted- and only a few care to protect those who are different.
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Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 11:29 pm
 The air here burned his lungs- it was toxic, so full of chemicals- smog....polluted. 'I want to go home...' was the thing that repeated over and over in his mind..... not that he could get home from here- the ocean he loved...was so far away, his home was decimated... his people... He wasn't sure what had become of them. If they were even alive anymore. Humans still hadn't realized that the myth about their flesh was far from true. And now he sat shivering in a alley- a scrap of fabric one could barely call a hood, pulled over his face. A sharp pain twisted his gut and he hissed out a soft breath- when was the last time he had eaten? He wasn't really sure anymore. With a deep breath he braced one hand against the wall behind him and got to his feet slowly. It took him a moment to collect himself, before he made his way out of the alley way- his eyes shifting one way, then the other. He was close to water- that much he knew. Was It an ocean? That would be wonderful.. It would help revive him if only a little bit. Closing his eyes he focused on the scent of salt water- So close. With that he followed his instincts, making sure to stay out of the way of anyone passing and eventually he found himself at a dock... But there were too many people, he couldn't so much as put his hand in the water without drawing attention to himself. He didn't realize he was biting his lip until he tasted the coppery tang of blood on his tongue and quickly relaxed his jaw, running his tongue over his bottom lip gently to remove any of the red liquid from his lips. Slowly he made his way along the dock, knowing that he had to look at least a little suspicious. Or...very. It took all his self control not to just dive in- who knew which of these people were hunters. Eventually he found himself on a less busy area of the dock- simply staring out over the water. He had both his hands clenched tightly under the cloak, doing his best not the fidget. Perhaps if he waited until it was dark... maybe then he could go...maybe...
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 12:00 am
 As the strange man stood by the waters, watching the waves come and go, a group of men were making their way toward him. One man stood out the most due to the hat he wore and the rank, his uniform a bit different then the others as the others had the same looking uniform but different than his. The men were laughing and judging by how two of them walked, they had just come back from a tavern. It had been awhile since they had drank since they are restricted from drinking once out at sea that way they could avoid as much accidents as possible. Some other boats however had a Captain who didn't care so much about the drinking, but in this case, Captain Thomson was strict and didn't allow anyone to drink as he also avoids drinking while out at sea. Despite his strict rules, he is a rather kind hearted man and is easy to talk to. He grew up always wanting to be a hero, wanting to be someone he could make his parents proud. It was back then that there was an abundance of odd creatures...odd people who were different then them.
Sadly over the years the numbers of these creatures dwindled to a point that the government had began to ban hunting of these creatures and law enforcement were ordered to punish anyone who poached creatures such as Trolls, Centaurs, Unicorns and other unique creatures. Unfortunately many of these races were already killed off while some had as few as five to three left, their race slowly dying. Then there were the mer-people, the ones that lived in the ocean but also began to dwindle in numbers as people hunted them for their tails.
After the law was made, the numbers still dwindled with poachers continuing to hunt and sell in the black market. The Navy was soon ordered to stop any poaching done in the seas as mer-people and other sea-creatures were being killed still.
Avery to this day remembers the mermaid that had saved his life. The woman had seen his ship sink. Sadly he was the only one that survived. At the time he was a simple seaman at the age of 15 and their boat had been attacked by poachers. After that day he vowed to work hard and reach high ranks and get his own ship where he would be known as a fearsome Captain. And at the age of 21 he was promoted to Captain. Now he's been Captain of La Muerte for 4 years since today marked not only his 25th birthday but his 4th year as Captain. And thus the reason for allowing himself to go and get a drink.
However now he had to get back to the ship and assure everything was intact as their next voyage would be in a couple days. He looked over to the men as they were heavily intoxicated and at long last spoke, but to the three other sober men. "Alright, get these two to a room at the Tavern, we have reserved rooms there for us. Get well rested and meet me here tomorrow at dawn."
"Yes Cap'in!" They responded and proceeded to help the drunk men to the Tavern just a head.
Meanwhile Avery looked up at the large vessel he had had the honor to name. With a smile he was about to turn and head to the Tavern as well but noticed a stranger standing just a couple feet away from his ship. He looked rather suspicious and he would not take any chances.
"You there! What business do you have here?" He made his way toward the man as he walked briskly to catch up to him and also ready to run after the man just in case he thought it wise to run.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 12:23 am
It was already starting to get dark but the docks still seemed so busy....and now there was the reek of alcohol hanging in the air... A pungent scent that he wasn't all too fond of. Just as he was readying himself to leave- to find somewhere he could slip into the water... a voice rang out from just a few feet away. Startled, he turned his face directly to the man- bright oceanic eyes wide. Mentally he scolded himself, he never looked at people directly- his features were too noticeable - Too distinct as 'not human'. "J-just looking at the ocean" He stammered quickly, taking a few steps back- which was a mistake because there wasn't anywhere to step back to- and for one moment he was falling before he hit the salty water below. A gasp slipped from his lips as he felt his body undertake the sudden change- legs becoming one fin, a silvery sheen that shone with every color of the rainbow when cast in the right light. He had to release the clip on the cloak so that it wouldn't tangle up with his fin. The water instantly refreshed him, and his long sea foam colored hair soaking up the salty water- sending his long hair into soft curls. Panic set in only a few moments after- who was around? how many people had seen him? That question was answered when the sound of a man shouting about a mermaid at the dock- and the sound of multiple people running filled the air. He turned his panicked gaze to the man on the dock- his eyes pleading for help- though he found himself moving close to the wood- trying to hide himself under the shelter of the dock itself. Was this it? Was this how things were supposed to happen? Was he supposed to die alone in an ocean that was not his own- were there even anymore of his people left? Squeezing his eyes shut he pressed his back against the wooden post of the docks structure. He wouldn't be able to run- people had mastered the art of trapping mermaids.....
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 12:35 am
Avery had rushed over to the man and reached out to try and catch him but he was a few seconds too late. He quickly stood at the edge of the dock, looking down to see if the man that fell was okay, but he was witnessing the male turn into something...not human. He stood there surprised as he witnessed something honestly rather spectacular however it didn't take long for others to know what had happened. People began to crowd and he was being pushed slightly as he nearly fell in himself. Quickly his features turned from awe to anger. Finally he spoke out...loudly.
"SILENCE!" That had caught their attention.
"I need you all to back away from the edge of this dock. You are all in a restricted area as no civilians are allowed near a Navy ship...my ship. If you don't disperse now, I will have you all arrested!"
The thought of being arrested didn't set well with a couple of them as they all headed off. He stood there with a stern expression on his face waiting for the others to leave. "Go on," He said as some turned and finally left while some lingered a bit and even looked at Avery with a dirty look...and that was enough to let Avery know that they were most likely poachers.
Finally he looked back down at the merman. "It's alright now, you'll be left alone. Do you wish to come out of the water? Or will you be on your way?" He spoke while looking down.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 12:57 am
Neptune watched the man with equal Awe as he told the people to back off- he was a part of the Navy? Was it even possible to be lucky enough to fall in front of a Navy captain... Honestly he could hardly believe what he was hearing. When the man turned to address him again he had to keep himself from flinching- a conditioned reflex. "I....I'll come out. It's not like I'd get very far if I decided to swim away. The poachers are probably getting boats ready in secret areas already..." He murmured softly, lifting his hands to tentatively place them on the surface of the dock, before he pushed himself up- his gaze flashing to his cloak that was now sinking because it was so heavy. He'd have to salvage a new one it would seem. He shifted so that he was sitting on the edge of the dock- his tail still in the water. He shifted slightly as if to shy away from the man- still somewhat unsure- well.. very unsure. He'd come to learn that humans were seldom trustworthy... but still his words had deterred such a large crowd. He lifted his hands to pull his hair over his shoulders- ringing his hair out as he did so. "You.....who are you?" He voiced tentatively, his voice still small, He couldn't speak normally- his voice had a habit of enthralling people- another little quirk that made it hard to move around unnoticed. Perhaps that was why so many of his kind had been found. Slowly he shifted his gaze away from the man, dropping his eyes to the water again as he pulled his find fully up onto the dock, finding it incredibly hard to dry off when there was no sunlight help him dry. He felt like one big target sitting here on the dock, but it wasn't going to do him any good to hide in the water anymore. "I'll be left alone for now... Not once you're gone... I'll have to hide again" He muttered, talking more to himself than to the man.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 1:12 am
Avery stood there and watched as the male hauled himself out. He took a step to a side himself to leave room for the males fin if and when he decided to pull it out. He listened to him talk about how trying to swim away would only be troublesome since there would be poachers around. He certainly did agree on that one as he commented, "I agree, I was going to suggest you stick around here until you know it's safe to venture out. These waters are currently being roamed around by poachers which is why I'm currently stationed here." He gave a slight nod before stating his name and rank, "I am Captain Avery Thomson, Captain of the fine Vessel you see." He motioned to the large ship before looking back to the man.
"You are?" He asked as she proceeded to shed off his coat and approached the man very slowly as to not startle him. He leaned over and set his coat down over the males shoulders. He didn't really say anything as he suddenly picked up the male who was pretty heavy due to his tail but Avery could manage.
He went on to explain, "It's not safe for you to sit out here alone, you are free to stay inside my quarters in my ship. It's the safest place for you. I assure you, you can trust that you will be safe in my ship. As a Navy personnel we are entrusted to protect both sea creatures such as yourself or any other endangered race on land if we happen to come across them." Avery had made his way up and onto the ships deck and then into his quarters where he placed the merman on his couch.
"There you are. Is that better?" He then took his coat back and placed it on the coat hanger by his door. Then he went back and poured himself a glass of water as he waited for the males response.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 1:28 am
Neptune nodded slowly in agreement when he spoke of the poachers, relaxing slightly when he spoke of being stationed here to deal with them. It was nice to see that some people still cared- even if they were few in number. His gaze shifted from Avery to the ship as he introduced himself as it's captain, before darting back to him warily as he approached- though he was slightly surprised when he placed the coat over his shoulders and suddenly scooped him up, a startled noise slipping from his lips as he fought the urge to struggle. He stared dumbfounded at the man as he spoke of letting him stay in his quarters for the time being. "Neptune... I very much doubt you'd be able to pronounce my last name so.. Just Neptune is fine" He voiced, steadying himself as he was placed down on the couch. This was...definitely an odd encounter. He let the man take back the coat- watching him for a moment before deciding how to reply. "You are....a strange man." he finally concluded, not really thinking about just how blunt those words were. "But...yes- thank you. If I may trouble you for a towel and something to wear however..... I don't fancy the idea of being naked in your cabin" he added- not at all bashful about the fact. It wasn't like he was embarrassed about his body- actually he didn't really care. But he'd learned it was proper social etiquette to not go around without pants when in human form. Not because he had done it- but another merperson had informed him,...so he'd taken note. "I'm sorry... I'm getting your couch wet" He realized, though it also was sinking in just how soft the cushions were- and just how tired he was. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had a decent nights sleep...and he felt strangely at ease in this mans presence...despite the fact that even he smelled a bit like alcohol. "Ah... Did I interrupt a special occasion?" he added quickly, still speaking in a small tone- not once raising his voice.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 1:42 am
A light chuckle slipped past his lips as he looked over to Neptune as he found his name to be very unique as not everyone was named after the great Neptune. He then went on to ask, "A strange man? Might I ask what makes me strange?" He found it interesting since Avery thought he was a normal man but perhaps to others that aren't human...he was strange. He set down the cup of water and went over to his wardrobe and dug around a bit when he heard the male ask for a towel and clothing. He was already on it as he pulled a towel and handed it to him so he could dry off more then went back and got a long sleeve dress shirt.
"I'm afraid this is all I have. However since I'm taller and broader then you my shirt should fit you like a dress and should cover you. I'll ask one of my crew members to get you proper clothing in the morning. Until then have a good night sleep. Once you're able to walk you can go into that other door inside is my personal bedroom and you are free to sleep. I'll be back by the time the sun rises. Till then," he tipped his hat to him as he then left.
Avery went back to the Tavern and informed a lower ranked crew to get some clothes as he guessed Neptune's clothes size as Avery was usually accurate with measurements. Afterwards he went to bed. It was always known as a good omen to come across a mermaid and aiding him/her.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 6:27 pm
Neptune watched him without replying to the mans question- what made him strange... was because he actually seemed to care and that was a very rare trait. Neptune took the towel and the shirt, murmuring a quiet thank you as he placed shirt next to him. He watched him as he spoke of getting him more clothing...why would someone do anything for a person they didn't know? especially someone who didn't gain anything from this...at all. He then watched him leave the room- his brows knitting together slowly "You're strange because you care..." He muttered, before he set to drying himself off fully. Once he'd managed to get his fin dry it didn't take long for the transformation to happen and his fin once again became legs. With a sigh he pulled the shirt on- not really surprised to find that it was so large.. He was thin from malnourishment and his frame was...well, small compared to the average man- but that was common for merpeople.. Slowly he stood from the couch- making his way to the room he'd been told he could sleep in- almost hesitant to approach the bed... He hadn't slept in a bed for a very long time. He chewed the inside of his cheek lightly as he made his way to the bed and slowly crawled onto it- before he gave in to exhaustion and simply curled up on top of the blankets- letting himself relax as he hugged a pillow to his body. It didn't take long for sleep to over come him- and when it did he fell into a very deep sleep. Feeling like he was at least a little bit safe for the first time in a very long time.
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Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2014 1:50 am
Morning came. As expected his crew gathered on board right at dawn, Avery going over what they would be doing today. He looked over to one of the sailors who had a package with him which was just some clothes wrapped as he had gone out to get what Avery had asked for. He dismissed the men and had them go about their duties, keeping the ship clean and making sure everything was in top condition. He approached the sailor who held out the package for him as he nodded, "Thank you, you're dismissed." The man then saluted him before joining in and helping out on deck.
Avery turned and went into his cabin as he then knocked on the door that lead to the bedroom as he wanted to make sure not to come barging in and scaring the young merman. After a couple moments he walked in and looked at the bed while greeting him, "Good morning. I've got some fresh clothes for you that should fit you well. I'll be just outside in my office." He gave a nod before exiting the room again.
He seated himself at his desk and began to look through papers, writing some things down on some of them.
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Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2014 7:58 pm
Neptune stirred at the knock at the door, slowly opening his eyes as he pushed himself up and yawned groggily. He blinked sleepily a few times as Avery greeted him and left him some clothing to change into. "thanks" he murmured, still trying to wake up as he slowly crawled out of bed whilst Avery left the room. It didn't take him too long to pull himself together, pulling on a silky off white long sleeved blouse and a pair of black dress pants. It all fit him surprisingly well. He had to look around a bit for something he could use to tie his hair back, finding a piece of black cord used to tie up rolled papers. Long sea foam colored hair now pulled into a long ponytail that draped over one shoulder neatly. All in all he looked completely different from the dishevelled being he had been the other day... it was nice to wear things that fit properly again. After glimpsing at himself in a mirror for a moment and finding that he looked satisfactory, he made his way out of the room and into Avery's office- though he did stop to knock on the door frame lightly, making his presence known. "Thank you... again. For the clothes and letting me sleep here... I... If there's anything I can do to make it up to you..." He voiced, though he wasn't really sure if there was anything. Still he was indebted to this man now and like it or not- he would repay a debt, especially since it was something that involved his life. "So you...help people like...me" he voiced softly, wandering the office slowly as he took in the little things- trying to get a feel for the man. A small smile curled on to his lips as he looked to Avery again "That's a noble thing... very noble." he added, deciding to wander over to the desk, resting a hand on the table as he let his gaze wander the room again. "I..... I'm sorry to impede upon you like this.. I'll leave soon.. I just want to lay low for a little bit.... " he added, not looking at Avery for a moment longer as he looked around the room, before turning his gaze slowly to the male.
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