B4 Ch3 Ocean Palace -part3

Sapphire and Barak, after much searching, they eventually found something that looked like a palace. They dived into a nearby kelp forest and tried figure out if this was worth their time.

Fang: Do you see all those clowns in armor, Sapphire?

Sapphire: I'm assuming they're guards, protecting whoever is inside... This has to be the place.

Barak: Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!

Barak prepared for a speedy entrance, but Fang tugged at his ear.

Fang: No. Me and Sapphire go in alone - you stay up here in case we get into trouble.

Sapphire: I guess you're right. Who knows what damage you could cause in there!

Fang: See? Sapphire agrees with me.

Sapphire: Actually, I was talking about you.

Barak snickered slightly as Fang looked at Sapphire with mock innocent eyes.

Fang: Me? Cause trouble for you? Never.

Sapphire: For at least five minutes. In any case, let's see what we can find out!

Barak: Are you sure I can't go?

Sapphire: Yes. Besides, if you get caught, they might try to do... weird things with you.

Barak: Ok... In that case, good luck!

Fang: Who needs luck when we have skill?

Sapphire: Sounds like something Midnight would say.

Fang: Well, he isn't here, so I have to fill out some lines for him.

Fang grabbed hold of Sapphire's arm, and they stealthily swam their way into the palace.

*****

As Sapphire and Fang sneaked around the marble floors, trying not to be spotted by anyone passing by, she kept wondering if Ruby could be close by.

Sapphire: So... Any idea where they could possible be, Fang?

Fang: I didn't really think this through, so... No. I have no idea

Sapphire: And here I was hoping you'd actually be useful. Oh well... at least this is a pretty cool place to be in.

Fang: I've seen better.

Sapphire: Oh really?

Fang: Yes! Grandma's garden!

Sapphire: More like graveyard...

Fang: We all have personal tastes, and I prefer the garden graveyard over... whatever they call this underwater fort.

Just then, a purple tiger appeared from around the corner. Her face darkened when she saw Sapphire, and started to back away.

??? (purple tiger): How dare you come into the queen's palace!

Sapphire: I dare, but only for some answers.

Fang: Do you have any idea where they keep the Vampire prisoners?

The tiger hesitated before answering coldly.

???: ... I do, but what's it to you?

Fang waved his arm carelessly.

Fang: None of you're business, young lady.

Sapphire: Hang on there, Fang. Why not?

Fang: It's dangerous enough that we allowed Barak to wait outside, in the open waters waiting for us, we don't need to be any more reckless.

Sapphire: Since when are you ever sensible?

Fang: ... Hardly ever?

Sapphire: Exactly, so I have no reason to listen to you... Y'see, uh...

Polly (purple tiger): ... It's Polly. Or, more accurately, was...

Sapphire: Right. Y'see, Polly, we're looking for some Vampire slaves, who happen to be friends of ours... Know anything about that?

Polly: Of course! I'm a former slave, so I know a thing or two about Vampire slaves.

Sapphire: Great! Can you tell us where they keep them?

Polly: I can't do that, I'm sorry.

Fang: Why not?

Polly: I've sworn obedience to the queen, and if I break it... well, it isn't very pleasant.
 
Sapphire: You get kicked in the shin?

Polly: Worst. They break my spell.

Sapphire: Spell? Like your sea charm?

The tiger nodded, and pointed to the seashell amulet hanging from her neck.

Polly: Since we're so deep underwater, it's impossible to go back to the surface without drowning. Even with help.

Sapphire: So why not do it at the surface?

Polly: That's the thing - all of us Vampires are bound to this place - move more then a few hundred sharks away from the sorcerer keeping the spell on you, and it breaks...

Fang: And you can't take this sorcerer with you?

Poppy: He's being kept in a guarded room, watched all hours of the day, never let out.

Fang: So even if the sorcerer wanted to help, he couldn't.

Sapphire: Hmm... This got tricky. How are we suppose to free everybody without drowning them?

Fang: We can work out the details later. For now-

Poppy suddenly darted behind a nearby statue.

Sapphire: Hey, what are you...?

And a few seconds later, some armed sea creatures came racing towards them, armed with pointy swords.

Sea Guards: INTRUDERS!!!

Fang: ... We should get out of here.

Sapphire: For once, I agree.

*****

Meanwhile, Barak was waiting for Sapphire and Fang to come back out of the palace.

Barak: ... What's keeping them?

Suddenly, there seemed to be a lot of noise somewhere in the building. Barak tried to get a closer look, when he noticed Sapphire swimming out of the palace quite quickly. He also noticed a bunch of sea creatures following her, and decided to put a stop to it.

He rushed towards Sapphire and grabbed hold of her hand and just like slow lightning, they were miles away from the ocean palace.

... Eventually they stopped, and Barak crashed into the sand and dropped Sapphire.

Barak: Did I do good?

Sapphire: Give me a second... I think I lost my stomach back in another life...

Barak: Do you want me to go and fetch it?

Sapphire: ... No. I think I'll be ok. Just don't do that ever again without asking me first.

Barak: Ok! Oh, and... What was that?

Sapphire: A two man army...

Barak: Did you learn anything new?

Fang: A little. It's better than none, I guess.

Barak: ... What's the plan now?

Sapphire: We-

Fang: We get something to eat! I'm starving!

And before Sapphire could stop them, Fang grabbed hold of Barak's ear and directed him to the surface. They both zoomed off, leaving her behind in a cloud of sand.

B4 Ch3 Ocean Palace -part2

A few days later, without getting much information about anything, Sapphire was lounging around on the sandy floor with Fang and Barak.

Barak: ... Why are we here again?

Sapphire: It's been three days, and we still haven't found anything useful! I'm drowning our sorrows in salt water.

Barak: .... Ok...

Sapphire sighed and got up. Fang swam over to her, and waved his arms about like crazy.

Sapphire: What is it, Fang? Have you run out of edible food?

Fang: Yes, but also there happens to be a white shark watching us!

Sapphire quickly turned around, but only saw Silver trying to hide.

Sapphire: Not a shark, but a familiar otter friend.

Silver darted out of the seaweed and approached Sapphire with caution.

Silver: H-hi, Sapphire...

Fang: (What's wrong with him?)

Sapphire: (I guess he's a bit jumpy.) Anyway... What are you doing here, Silver?

Silver: Hiding.

Barak: From who?

Silver: ... Everyone except you?

Fang drifted over to Barak, who looked curiously at the albino otter. Silver brightened up by trying to make conversation.

Silver: Wave was really surprised to see that you manged to find some Cloud crystals!

Sapphire: I noticed, although I'm not sure why - it was easy getting them!

Silver: And meerons are talking about you, Sapphire! They think you're some kind of sea witch, capable of amazing things!

Sapphire: Well, they aren't wrong about that!

Silver: I bet even the queen knows about you by now! After all, her son had BlackBlood, so she must've been pleased when she got a cure for him!

Sapphire: That's nice. At least I've done some good while I'm here.

Barak: Queen? Like the ones on the Gr-

Fang stabbed one of his legs into Barak's neck, hoping that would make him stop talking.

Fang: Why yes, Barak. Just like the queen's in GoldRing Reef, but I'm sure this one is far prettier.

Silver: You're right about that! Although, maybe our queen is a bit... vicious.

Silver looked wildly around before swimming off and out of sight. Fang tapped Barak's head in a rhythmic beat.

Fang: Weird kid, that shark.

Sapphire: You need glasses, Fang. That was clearly an otter.

Barak: I thought he was seal with legs!

Sapphire gave a sigh of disappointment. She only looked up when Fang gave the suggestion...

Fang: Maybe we should meet this queen?

Sapphire rolled her eyes at the red spider, wondering if he was serious.

Sapphire: Are you kidding? I've had enough time with royalty to last me for a long time. Who knows what business we could end up in if we try and do a friendly visit!

Barak: Are you sure?

Sapphire: Positive. Besides, what would I gain from it, besides a headache?

Fang thought for a moment before jumping off of Barak and swimming towards the blue kangaroo. He slowly made his answer, unsure if this was a safe idea or not.

Fang: ... The whereabouts of Ruby?

Sapphire stood still for a few seconds before grabbing the spider and looking him in the eye.

Sapphire: How could she know that?

Fang: Didn't you say you heard from some sea creatures that they heard that their queen has Vampire slaves? What would be better then tracking down one of the bigger clients and getting direct information?

Sapphire: I don't know...

Barak: It couldn't hurt to look!

Sapphire thought for a moment longer before deciding.

Sapphire: ... Right. Let's go and see this queen, then.

Barak: You mean it?

Sapphire: Yeah. We'll see if she knows something about Ruby or not.

Fang: And if they don't let us in?

Sapphire: Who said they had too? Come on, Barak. Let's find a place fit for royalty!

Barak enthusiastically grabbed hold of Sapphire before powering off to find a palace.

Space cat-girl

I'm not sure what I was aiming for when I started drawing, but it ended up like this...

And yes, Easter special post tomorrow (assuming I can get it done in time - if not, it will be moved to April 4)

B4 Ch3 Ocean Palace -part1

Just as Sapphire was about to leave and go exploring, Wave found her. He stopped her and politely asked...

Wave: Mysterious girl! Can I have a moment of your time?

Sapphire: Sure. Name it!

Wave: Do you happen to have any more Cloud Crystals? While we understand if you can't, there just isn't enough for everyone.

Sapphire sighed and turned around, starting to swim back up to the surface... again...

Wave: Where are you going?

Sapphire: Getting more crystals for you.No matter how boring the task may be...

Wave: Well, when you get more, you can find me in the Marble Library.

*****

Sapphire was about to head back to the island, when she noticed something streaking towards her at top speeds. She darted out of the way just as it reached her. The thing kept going and crashed into the sand, creating a cloud covering everything.

Barak: ... Ow.

Sapphire: Barak? Is that you?

Fang: And me!

Barak sprang up from the sand cloud, and Sapphire noticed Fang was with him.

Barak: It took a long time to track you down-

Fang: Ten minutes, Fang. It took ten minutes to find Seatopia.

Sapphire: Ten minutes? It makes me at least half an hour to get down here! How can you get here so quickly?

Fang: Little Barak here happens to be a Champion, Sapphire.

Sapphire: Yeah, you're right. I guess I shouldn't be that surprised. Oh, and... Barak, can you go and get some more of those crystals? The public of Seatopia demands it!

Barak: Ok!

Fang drifted off the green Dragon's back and latched onto Sapphire. With a powerful beat of his wings, Barak raced back to the surface.

*****

Meanwhile, Sapphire found the S.E.A gang and decided to try and get more information about S.A.L.T.

Sapphire: Hey, creatures of the sea.

Aqua: Oh, there you are! I've been wondering where you'd gotten too! Coral was just telling us about what happened last night!

Ink: About S.A.L.T!

Sapphire looked confused, but was also interested.

Aqua: You didn't hear?

Sapphire: How could I? I just got here.

Coral: Apparently S.A.L.T tried to take the forbidden treasure down in  the Deep Blue!

Sapphire: Forbidden treasure?

Ink: A treasure that's forbidden.

Sapphire: So I guessed, but why is it forbidden?

Aqua: Meeron's (our word for Sea Creature's) are saying that a dangerous monster is protecting it!

Fang: Why?

Aqua: I don't know. Probably something really valuable, I guess?

Coral: I bet S.A.L.T thought they could outsmart it, and take the treasure as their own.

Ink: Well, too bad for them! Because we're the ones who are going to get past that monster and take the treasure as our own!

Sapphire shook her head and left them to their excited chatter. Fang obviously seemed excited.

Fang: A monster? Sounds like fun!

Sapphire: Yeah, but we've got something else to do, so that will have to wait.

Fang: Are you sure?  Couldn't we even just take a look?

Sapphire: No. We have to find Ruby!

Fang: Who says we have too?

Sapphire: You're her pet, so shouldn't that mean you're, oh I don't know, loyal to her?

Fang: I'm not a pet, I'm a... freelance spider who just wants a little food and shelter!

Sapphire: My point has been made. You could run away, but you don't.

Fang: I have no home to go to! I see no point.

Sapphire sighed but said nothing. She didn't care anymore, and just wanted to see Ruby.

Fang: ... Oh, look! Barak's back!

Sapphire looked up to see a Dragon swimming towards them carefully, carrying a fair bit of crystals. He dropped to the stone floor, scattering Cloud Crystals at Sapphire's feet.

Barak: I'm back! It took longer getting back....

Sapphire: It doesn't matter. You saved me the long trip back up! So... Thanks!

Barak: No problem!

Fang swam back over to Barak, while Sapphire picked up the shining crystals.

Sapphire: I'll go and find that dolphin and give these crystals to him. You guys go and have fun, but make sure you don't destroy the entire town.

Fang: Who, us?

Barak: We wouldn't dream of doing such a thing!

Fang: ... On purpose, anyway.

Sapphire: Well, I don't really care, but Ruby probably would.

Fang: I wonder where Ruby and Midnight and Cole and Misae and-

Sapphire: And everyone else is.

Fang: Yeah! Them, too.

B4 Ch2 Salty Sickness -part3

Sapphire returned to surface as soon as she could, and headed towards the island. Once she got there, she trudged up the sandy bank and waited for Barak and Fang to come back.
Eventually, after an hour of waiting, Barak landed back on the island. He and Fang seemed surprised to see her.

Barak: Sapphire! What are you doing here?

Sapphire: Waiting for you! You took your sweet time getting back.

Fang: We didn't know you'd be waiting. I bet the farm it's not even eleven in the morning yet!

Barak: Why would you-

Sapphire: It's dumb, Barak. We don't actually have a farm!

Barak: Then what's the reason why you're here?

Sapphire: Well, I tried to get information about where Ruby could be, and... long story short, I ended up deciding to help the Sea Creatures cure a disease called BlackBlood.

Fang: And?

Sapphire: They need something called Cloud Crystals.

Barak: Cloud Crystals?

Sapphire: I'm assuming they're crystals that form in clouds.

Fang: As a matter of fact, you're right!

Sapphire bluntly stared at Fang disbelieving.

Sapphire: How do you know?

Fang: Easy! Clouds Crystals can be formed from a Dragon's breath, so... Barak! Fly up and go nuts.

Barak: Uh... Ok?

Fang jumped off Barak's back, while the Dragon spread his wings out and took off into the clouds.

Sapphire: Fang, how do you know about these things? It's like all of a sudden you're... smart.

Fang: I read about crystals in a book in Grandma's library.

Sapphire: Cool! I might want to read that when we eventually get home-

BOOOOM~

Small shiny crystals started falling like rain from above, falling onto the island and into the sea. In one particular area, the crystals almost formed a small island.

Barak quietly flew back to Sapphire and Fang, trying to avoid their glances.

Barak: ... do you think I made too much? It was an accident - honest!

Sapphire: It's fine, Barak. Quite hilarious, if anything! Now "BlackBlood" will be a thing of the past for the Sea Creatures. Although, Cloud Crystals are now going to be cheaper than sand... But never-mind. I'll just take a handful and deliver it them.

Sapphire picked up a few of the sparkling gems and jumped back into the sea.

*****

When Sapphire eventually got back to Seatopia, she quickly found Silver, who was with Calypso the penguin. Sapphire shoved the bight crystals into Silver's hands.

Silver: Are those...?

Sapphire: Cloud crystals.

Silver: T-thank you! We thank you from the bottom of our-

Sapphire: Yes, yes. You're welcome, and all that stuff. Now go and deliver them - the public needs them!

Silver: Yes, of course! I'll go and tell Wave right away! He'll be so surprised!

Silver swam away as fast as he could, leaving Sapphire satisfied. Calypso looked at Sapphire in astonishment.

Calypso: How did you get those crystals?

Sapphire: Let's just say I have friends in high places.

DeathDancer Ancestor

I've been exploring ideas about Grandma's history, and... I came up with something different.  So I decided to draw a picture of it!

Hazel is Belladonna's (A.K.A, Grandma's) mother, so that makes her Ruby and Sapphire's Great great great great Grandma... Great.

.... Basically she was a witch, who specialized in potions and stuff (hence why Grandma's an alchemist).

St Patrick's day

So... St Patrick's day, eh? Rainbows and small green men with pots of gold and bagpipes? How could I resist?

Barak found a rainbow~

I'm assuming Midnight hasn't read Harry Potter, then.

... No, Ruby is not drinking what you think she might be drinking. It's apple cider!

 And just like last year, Sapphire dresses up like the green men!

B4 Ch2 Salty Sickness -part2

After a fruity breakfast, Sapphire and Barak headed near the water with Fang, ready to get down to business.

Fang: Ok. We all know the plan? While me and Barak go and explore further parts of the ocean in search for this S.A.L.T lair, Sapphire goes back to Seaatopia to get some basic history.

Barak: And we'll meet back here for lunch!

Sapphire and Barak dived into the sea and swam off in different directions.

*****

When Sapphire (finally) got back to Seatopia, she almost instantly ran into Silver, who had abandoned her the previous day.

Silver: Oh, hi... Sapphire, was it?

Sapphire: Ah, you. The stuttering otter! Silver, right?

Silver: Um... yeah... Didn't find what you were after?

Sapphire: No, but you would've found that out sooner if you'd actually stayed.

Silver: Hey! I had things to do!

Sapphire: Sure you did... Anyway, do you happen to have a school somewhere in this fair city of yours?

Silver: School?

Sapphire: Yeah. A place where your forced to learn boring stuff. Got any place like that?

Silver: Y-yeah, we do... Why?

Sapphire: Do you have any ancient history with Vampires or UnMythics that I should be aware of?

Silver: I wouldn't really know... B-but I know someone who does!

Sapphire: Take me to him, then.

Silver merely nodded and swam back down the cobblestone streets of Seatopia. Sapphire, less then enthusiastically, followed him.

******

After a few minutes of zooming through traffic and avoiding certain streets, Silver entered a dome-like building, which at first glance seemed to be mostly empty.

Sapphire: Ok, what is this place?

But before the albino otter got the chance to reply, a dolphin came in from another room. He seemed quite pleased to see Silver.

Wave (green dolphin): Ah, good morning Silver! What can I do for you today?

Sapphire: Not for him, but for me. Do you guys have any history with other magical creatures?

Wave: And who are you, sea kangaroo?

Sapphire: An acquaintance of Silver.

Wave: Where do you come from, oh mysterious girl?

Sapphire: That's not important! Now, can you please tell me if the Sea Creatures have any past relationships with Vampires or such?

The dolphin thought hard before answering.

Wave: Well. Sea Creatures and Vampires did have a close friendship with each other, until the UnMythics came along and drove us off the island.

Sapphire: And now? Are you still friendly with Vampires?

Wave: Unfortunately, most of us aren't... Some of us have even began enslaving innocent Vampire ships to do their bidding - even our beloved queen has Vampire slaves.

Sapphire: I see... And where are these servants sold?

Silver was about to answer, but Wave interrupted him with a question for Sapphire.

Wave: Why are you so interested?

Sapphire: I have my reasons. Speaking of which, what's the reason why you're carrying that piece stone?

Wave glanced at the stone that he was carrying, and slightly chuckled.

Wave: This 'piece of stone' is actually an ancient tablet, originally from the Vampires. Problem is, no one around Seatopia can read it... which is a shame, because we believe it holds the key to cure a deadly sickness.

Sapphire: ... Can I see it?

Wave tried to hide a smile as Sapphire extended her hand.

Wave: A child like you couldn't read these writings. You look no older then fifteen!

Sapphire gave an exasperated sigh and snatched the tablet from the dolphin. She took a quick look at it before reading it aloud.

Sapphire: "BlackBlood sickness is easy to get and hard to remove-"...

Silver: You can read that?

Sapphire: Of course! I had to learn basic spelling whether I liked it or not... "and hard to get rid of. But, there is a cure - the following ingredients are all you need to make the 'RienEssence' potion."... RienEssence? What does that mean?

Wave: RienEssei, in our ancient language, means Pure Water Spell. We've been trying to form it into a medicine for the dangerous disease 'BlackBlood'.

Sapphire: What's so bad about it?

Silver: It comes from UnMythic oil leaks from ancient past... Contact with the deadly concoction slowly turns our blood and fur to a purple-like black, making us extremely sick.

 

Sapphire: Another reason why I dislike UnMythics... And is this the tablet that explains how to cure this 'BlackBlood'?

Wave: It appears so... Continue reading, please?

Sapphire: ... Ok. Here's the recipe - "One branch of healthy coral, Silver Powder, fresh seaweed, and Cloud Crystals."

Wave: Hm... The first three things we can get easily, but getting Cloud Crystals is impossible.

Sapphire: How come?

Wave: It's in the name - 'Cloud Crystals'. According to our ancestors, they are formed in clouds and rarely drop down into the sea! So getting our hands on some will never happen.

Sapphire thought for a minute before declaring,

Sapphire: I'll go get those cloud crystals!

Wave looked at Sapphire in amusement.

Wave: How? You cannot fly!

Sapphire: Who said I had to?

Sapphire left the confused Sea Creatures and headed out to find Barak.

******

NOTICE

-----------

No Thursday post this week, due to the Saint Patric day picture post.

Daughter of the Life goddess

Well... Here's something I hardly ever do - fan art~

This charming girl (sarcasm) is one of the many characters in a video game known as Fantasy Life, the game where you need a license to live (a life)!

Noelia (to me) is an interesting character, and kinda reminds me of my sisters... In the bad way (however still amusing).

B4 Ch2 Salty Sickness -part 1 and a half(ish)

Meanwhile, somewhere in a deep dungeon...

*****

In the middle of the ocean, deep within a dark, dark cave, rested a Dragon in a dream-like sleep. This Dragon had been living under the sea for generations, protecting a sacred treasure, of little importance to her - she only kept it because a friend had asked her nicely.

All of a sudden, a young otter swam in, fear on his face as he tried to wake the Dragon without enraging her. "Master Hydra, ruler over the many seas, and protector of The Gem? I h-hate to disturb you, b-but... There are some u-uninvited g-g-guests in the cave...".

The dozy Dragon lazily got up and the otter darted out of her way. Hydra, with only a few flaps of her wings whooshed through the cave, and towards the supposed intruders.
It didn't take long to find them - even if her senses had dulled with time, she could feel them shaking in their thin skin - and clawed them out of a small hiding hole (a bad choice, for the old Dragon knew every crack inside this cave)

With a low growl, the winged serpent glared at the impostors, and asked with a hiss, "What are you doing here, in my den?" She noted with boredom that the Sea Creatures were shivering with fright, even if they carried pretty decent weapons that might dent her tough scales.

One of the intruders, a black penguin, spoke up nervously. "W-we came here t-t-to, uh... take a look at your t-treasure? We hear it's beautiful, so we wanted to check for ourselves!". Hydra wondered what kind of fool would tell such an obvious lie. Didn't they know that creatures like them, over thousands of years, have asked the same question with the same intentions? She knew their kind, but she decided to play with them a little.

"Why do you want to take a look at my prized possession?" She sweetly drawled. She flexed her claws, and continued in a honeyed voice, "There are far greater prizes in the ocean, of much more gleam and shine then my jewel could ever compare to...". She moved her tail ever so slightly, making the Sea Creatures wince.

When they did not answer her, Hydra cast her hypnotic like eyes on their 'leader', and breathed coolly onto him, small ice crystals started forming in his fur. She sighed and whispered to the petrified penguin, "Did you only come here to look?" She gave a sad sigh as all three of the creatures nodded almost instantly. She snapped her jaws at them impatiently.
"You lie," she growled. "You came here to steal from me.", she stated. At those words, the three Sea Creatures swam as fast as they could away from her, back where they came from.

The otter, after seeing the impostors disappear from view, gave a questioning glance at the ancient Dragon. He was about to speak, but Hydra already guessed what his question was going to be, and she dully said, "You're wondering why I didn't kill them? They were merely Hatchlings, and have a lot of life left in them yet. Besides, I wasn't hungry."

The Dragon slowly swam back to where her treasure lay, and sighed deeply, wondering when someone who deserved it would come by and claim it as their own, before she was nothing more then the cool current and bubbles.

**********

What's this? Another Dragon has made it's appearance? Well, it's not that surprising. After the "Grey Islands" adventure (with all it's war-hungry kings), I think a Dragon would be the best guard dog for a precious object of great value (even if it doesn't have the power to destroy an entire race)

Plus, I really needed more time with Sapphire's end of the story. Seriously.

Also, I had a blast writing this - It came clearly, and It's still technically a 'post'.

... Fine. Back to Script writing next week...

(although, it's not as fun...)

B4 Ch2 Salty sickness - part1

Sapphire followed Aqua around the glittering city, not sure what else she could do at the moment. After a little while, they stopped in front of what looked like a small marble palace. Aqua said nothing, but entered and Sapphire went after her.

They roamed around a bit before they came across an open room, and Aqua dived into one of the benches inside and waved her fin over the room.

Aqua: Welcome to my domain, stranger!

Sapphire: You don't have to keep calling me that. My name is Sapphire!

Aqua: Well, it's not like you gave your name to us, so what else could we call you?

Sapphire: ... True. Nice place you got here. Although, it's a bit... airy, to say the least.

Aqua: Not really, compared to the dazzling palaces the queen has.

Sapphire: I guess I'm just too used to living in a brick house with a roof over my head, or a cabin with only a hammock to sleep in.

Aqua: Sounds awful!

Sapphire: Not really, actually. But I'd prefer to sleep under the stars.

Aqua: ... Well, I suppose, as the host, I should offer you something to eat.

Sapphire: I'm not hungry!

Aqua: Nonsense! You're just probably scared about what I'm going to give you.

Sapphire: ... Actually, do you have any kind of fish? I need to catch a huge firefly.

Aqua: What's a firefly?

Sapphire: A bug that glows.

Aqua: How are bugs attracted to fish?

Sapphire: Most aren't... This one is.

*****

Some time later, on the surface...

Fang was sitting near the fire with Barak, who was trying to figure out how to eat a coconut, when the green dragon suddenly raised his head.

Fang noticed, and wondered what was up.

Fang: Something wrong?

Barak: ... I smell something fishy!

Fang: Fish?

Barak: Yeah...

The dragon bounced right up and headed towards the islands shore. After a few minutes, he returned with a dark blue shadow, and at a closer glance, Fang recognized it to be Sapphire!

Fang: Hi, Sapphire!

Sapphire: Fang? What are you doing here? I thought you went down with the ship!

Fang: Nope! I asked to go with Barak when he set off on his scout.

Sapphire: Ah. That explains why you're not dead!... What's that you got there?

Fang: A sea amulet, spider size.

Sapphire was about to say something, but the red spider held up one of his arms and spoke in an innocent voice...

Fang: Don't ask - it's better that way.

Sapphire didn't bother to argue, so she sat near the small campfire.Barak joined her, chewing something.

Fang: Barak, what are you eating?

Barak: N-nothing...

Fang: Barak, tell me the truth.

Barak: Just... chewing the air?

Fang: That air smells like fish.

Barak: We are near the ocean.

Fang: Next time, ask me if I want to share or not.

Barak: Ok...

*****

Early next morning~

Fang: Rise and shine, Sapphire! Up and at 'em, Barak!

Sapphire was pretty sure a small spider was trying to get her out of her warm dreamy state. She tried to shove him away, but felt him dash across to where Barak was sleeping.

Barak: Five more minutes, u-

Fang: No, right now, this second. Come on, Sapphire! What are you, a log?

Sapphire: You're not my mother.

Fang: You're right! Ten points for observation, but seriously. Get up.

Sapphire sighed and rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes as Fang tried to get Barak to wake up.

Sapphire: Why do we have to get up so early?

Fang: The early bug gets the grub, so we're getting up earlier to get some business done!

Sapphire: You mean the early bird gets the worm, Fang.

Fang: I feel sorry for the worm.

Sapphire: Then it should sleep late. Just like I want to do!

Fang gave up trying to push Barak up, and instead went over to the nearby banana trees. He returned shortly with a piece of fruit, and shoved it towards the green dragon.

Almost instantly Barak sprang up and tried to chomp down on the banana, but Fang snatched it away.

Barak: Hey! I want my banana!

Fang: No time to eat! You'll work better on an empty stomach, anyway.

Sapphire: Oh really? What about you?

Fang: As a frail spider, I need my strength - I get your share of food!

Sapphire: ... What are your thoughts about me squashing you?

Fang: ... Ok. I can take a hint. First, let's all have breakfast!

Barak: Yay!

Barak practically flew back towards the dying fire, eager to chow down on some fruit and fish.

Winged wolf girl

Weekly Saturday night post, and... I have no idea what to say. So... yeah. Here.

Exploring ideas with wings for my current project... I may as well have fun with it!

B4 Ch1 extra

Meanwhile, above the salty waters of the ocean and high above in the clouds...

----------

Barak: Fang, we lost the boat!

Barak the Dragon, along with Fang the spider (Ruby's pet), were confused upon where on earth the ship that was carrying their friends had gotten to.

And Barak was starting to panic....

Barak: We can't have gotten lost, could we Fang?

Fang: No, I don't think so, hatchling...

Barak: Do you think something happened to them?

Fang: How am I suppose to know? I'm just a poor useless spider!

Barak: You are not!

Fang: Have you taken a good look at me lately?

Barak: Well, yes... But-... You're not!

Fang sighed patted his one of his feet against Barak's scales.

Fang: Yes, I am. Now don't argue with your elder and land somewhere - Maybe your theory is right, and something did happen while we are away...

The green Dragon slowly dived through the clouds, and landed on a nearby island. Fang scurried down his tail and jumped into the soft warm sand.

Barak: Where are they, Fang?

Fang: If we knew that, we wouldn't have lost them.

Barak: Suppose the ship sank?

Fang: ... Maybe. But by what?

Barak: A raging octopus?

Fang: Don't be silly, Barak. I highly doubt it was an octopus!

Barak: Sharks?

Fang: Probably not.

Barak: ... Aren't there any Sea Creatures in the area?

Fang: Possibly. But even if they are some, it's not in their nature to attack passing ships...

Fang thought hard for about a minute before speaking again.

Fang: ... I think we should investigate.

Barak: How?

Fang: You're a Dragon, so you have gills to survive underwater for at least a few hours!

Barak: What about you?

Fang cantered across the sandy beach until he picked up a small shell. He then scurried up a nearby coconut tree, ripping a piece of bark and jumping back down.

The spider then spat a glowing green poison onto the shell, and pointed to the wood.

Fang: Create a small yellow ember, please.

Barak: How?

The spider sighed and tapped one of his arms to his chest.

Fang: It's a bit hard to explain, but basically you need to feel some kind of warm spark in your chest, right on top of your heart. Then take a deep breath, and blow slowly...

Barak: How do I get this feeling?

Fang: I'm not a Dragon, so how would I know?

Barak thought for a bit before taking a deep breath and breathed gently onto the piece of bark. A little yellow flame formed. Fang put the small shell on to of it, and waited.

Barak: Uh... Why are we doing this?

Fang: I'll need a protective charm if we're going to explore the ocean properly.

Barak: You know how to make one?

Fang: No.

Barak: Uh... sorry, but it looks like you do.

Fang: I don't. I just remember Grandma telling me how to make a sea charm, so I'm trying to copy her instructions...

Barak: But you don't need a sea charm!... Don't you?

Fang: I'm a spider. Spiders are meant to stay in trees, bushes, houses and burrows. We do not belong in the sea!

Barak: Oh.

Fang: ... It's almost sunset. It's dangerous to go into the sea at night.

Barak: Why's that?

Fang: Because whatever took everyone on that ship, is probably waiting for another victim. It's better to be safe then sorry.

Barak: Ok. So... Should we...?

Fang: Yes, you may get something to eat.

Barak: Yay!

The green Dragon bounded off happily in search for something to eat.

*****

I thought you'd like to know where Barak was... So, basically, he and Fang were scouting ahead to check where they were going, and... yeah. When they returned, no ship in sight.

And what's this? Fang is actually smart enough to know how to create a Sea charm? Convenient...

 ... This looked a lot better in my mind, but meh. I love drawing cute Barak, sitting by a small fire in hopes of gaining great knowledge from the all powerful Fang the spider!

... Ok, maybe not, but still cute.

B4 Ch1 Sea Salt -part3

Sapphire drummed her fingers against her arm as she waited for an answer from S.E.A. Finally, after a minute of mute whispering, they turned to face Sapphire, obviously trying to hide something.

Coral: So, uh... Yeah. We think we know where the Vampires- I mean, your cousin is, and...-

Aqua: We agree to help you on the condition that you lead us, and only us, to this island of Vampires!

Sapphire: Sounds doable. But I want my cousin back first!

Aqua: Of course, of course... But they're probably in S.A.L.T headquarters.

Sapphire: Another raiding gang?

Ink: Yup. But they're more "popular", then us, so they have tighter security, patrols, supporters... everything we don't have, basically.

Sapphire: And is that a problem?

Coral: Yes! They always get to the prize first, and leave us with nothing but an empty ship!

Sapphire sighed pointed to the exit tunnel.

Sapphire: Can we get on with it?

Ink: Uh, right...

*****

Once they were out in the open waters again, the group headed straight for Seatopia. When they reached the outskirts of the city, there appeared to be quite the commotion.

Sapphire: What's going on up there?

Ink: Either it's a wild shark attack, or-... oh.

Coral and Aqua: What?

The pink squid pointed towards an upcoming crowd, and Coral and Aqua got it. The red shark gave an exasperated sigh.

Aqua: We should've known it was the S.A.L.T squad, throwing a party about their big catch.

Sapphire noticed one sea creature that seemed to be taking in all the glory. She frowned as the thought came across her mind.

Sapphire: They must've been the ones that took Ruby and the crew... They don't look as tough as I imagined.

Ink: Maybe not, but behind that soft feathery face is a sharp eye and a toxic mouth, ready to poison anyone lower then him... which happens to be everyone but the queen.

Coral: Are you saying Kai is fluffy, Inky?

Aqua: You have to admit, he is a bit of a kid.

Sapphire: Who cares about looks? I just want to smash his face against some rocks until his skull cracks in two!

Aqua: I like how you think, stranger, but I'm afraid we'd get caught before we even reached his face. He has... devoted bodyguards.

Sapphire: Don't ruin the story with facts!

Coral: Speaking of which, it appears he sees us...

Some of the S.A.L.T gang members started swimming over to where they were, and the one called Kai seemed particular pleased to see them.

Kai (black penguin): Well well well. Look who we have here. If it isn't the duel-blooded gang!

Aqua: Says the mud-loving bird who can't throw a spear at his own foot!

Kai: Jagged jaw!

Aqua: Fluffy face!

Kai: Sand swimmer!

Aqua: Myth Maniac!

Kai: Kelp creep!

Aqua: Lousy little-... Curses! I didn't prepare enough insults!

Coral: If you've quite finished your daily chat with our enemy, Aqua, we're going.

The red shark rolled her eyes in annoyance and followed Coral and Ink away from the raiders. Sapphire didn't know what to do, so she tagged along after them.

Sapphire: What was that all about?

Ink: Whenever Aqua and Kai meet face to face, they throw as many insults at each other as they can before one of us drags them apart.

Aqua: It was just getting good!

Coral: One of these days you'll go too far, and we'll probably all end up fighting S.A.L.T...

Ink: Let's just go home for now. We can worry about that later!

Sapphire: Aren't you forgetting something?

The Sea Creatures stared blankly at Sapphire before realizing what she was talking about.

Coral: Oh yeah! Um, that... well...

Ink: We can do that later, ok?

Sapphire: ... I am not happy with the current situation.

Aqua: Just chill for a bit. Your cousin isn't going to be harmed, and they wont disappear if we don't do something. So why don't you come to my house and explain how you got into this mess?

Sapphire: I'd rather take action, but it looks like I haven't got much choice...

*****