《Big Blue (In rewriting/short hiatus)》


 Chapter 1 Specter

    Waves gently rocked the small ship. The deck rocked back and forth beneath the young girl¡¯s feet and the image of a cradle appeared in her mind. The Wind Dancer silently cut through the small waves, leading its crew towards the far shore of the enormous lake. She stood at the bow, her moonlight colored hair tickled by the breeze and sea spray, staring silently into the distance as if she could already see their destination or even further.


    The silence encompassing her was interrupted when a young sailor approached from behind.¡®¡¯The Captain is asking if you want to eat with her later,¡¯¡¯ he said in a monotonous tone.


    For a moment, the young girl kept her silence before responding. ¡®¡¯I will... But tonight, there will be a storm,¡¯¡¯ was the answer she gave him without looking back at him.


    ¡®¡¯Nonsense. The weather is clear and was predicted to stay like that, don¡¯t lie just because you are bored, brat,¡¯¡¯ he said, annoyed.


    She sighed quietly while watching the waves. After that the young man left to continue his duties. ¡®¡¯A storm will come¡­¡¯¡¯ once more, the little girl whispered to herself.


    The sun was already at its zenith when the silent one finally left her spot at the bow. Slowly and with steady steps, she gracefully made her way across the quarterdeck. After going down the stairs and towards the main deck, she moved in a zig-zag with sliding steps. The sailors below were busy working the ropes and scrubbing the deck.


    The young girl now stood before two doors. The left leading to the dining room, with the right one leading to the captain¡¯s quarter¡¯s.Three times she softly knocked on the right-side door, awaiting an answer. No answer came, yet after a moment, the door was opened by a female in her mid thirties. Brown hair bound in a ponytail, and black eyes. Her face was weathered, and she was wearing a white buttoned shirt. Breeches hung just below her knees and leather boots reached up to her pants.


    ¡®¡¯Aria, it¡¯s nice to see you.¡± The Captain said in a soothing and clear voice.


    ¡°Good afternoon Miriel~,¡± Aria tuned as she greeted her.


    ¡°So, have you decided to eat with me?¡± Her tone soft and inviting.¡° I was getting lonely from being accompanied by nothing but books.¡±


    ¡°Aye, Miriel, I¡¯ll keep you company,¡± Aria said with a bob of her head. Then as if remembering something she added with a bright smile, ¡°Thank you for the clothes! They¡¯re very nice and comfortable!¡±


    Miriel chuckled at Aria¡¯s enthusiasm about such a trivial thing as some old clothes. ¡°Don¡¯t worry yourself over it, child. It wasn¡¯t - Ah, let¡¯s not talk here. What kind of a hostess am I, keeping you outside the door.¡± She then proceeded to usher Aria to the cabin and followed herself after closing the doors shut.


    The girl looked over the cabin to find it very small, smaller than hers. A bed filled half the room. A chest next to it acted like a nightstand and a small hardwood desk sat beside that, two chairs hiding underneath. The only light source was the window just behind the desk. A caravel was no big ship after all, quickly the two sat down at the desk facing each other.


    ¡®¡¯You came a little early, lunch is still a ways off. So how about we talk for a while?¡¯¡¯ Miriel asked Aria.


    ¡®¡¯That is fine, I have something to tell you anyway. But could you stop staring at me like that first?¡¯¡¯ The young girl asked still smiling.


    It did not slip Aria¡¯s attention that Miriel visibly blushed upon hearing her words. ¡®¡¯Sorry... It¡¯s just... Your eyes are so beautiful, so different... They keep drawing me in.¡¯¡¯


    Aria frowned upon hearing that remark, so her response was a bit less cheerful. ¡®¡¯Beautiful? This blue color is annoying, it just makes me different. Everyone keeps staring at me because of them.¡¯¡¯ Miriel could only sigh upon hearing those words, it was true that her eyes made Aria different. Half of all humans had black eyes, while the other half had yellow ones. Only Aria had bright blue and very beautiful eyes. That had led to her being stared at, and being teased a lot by other children.


    ¡®¡¯Anyway, that is not why I am here,¡¯¡¯ Aria said, her angelic smile returning. ¡®¡¯I already said it to the one you sent for me earlier, but tonight there will be a big storm. The ship should probably anchor at a protected spot near the shore.''''


    ¡®¡¯What? Are you sure? And why didn¡¯t that fool give me the news earlier?'''' Miriel snarled.


    ¡°The waters are murmuring in strange ways, something big is coming from the ocean. When I told him, he got angry at me, calling me a lying brat.''''


    The Captain just nodded a few times before rising up from her chair. ¡®¡¯Follow me, if there is a storm coming then we have to prepare.''''


    With quick steps the duo approached the door and entered the main deck. Swiftly they took the stairs to the stern quarterdeck where the helmsman was steering the ship. ¡®¡¯Hard to starboard,¡± she demanded. ¡°Bring us to a protected spot at the shore!''''


    ¡®¡¯Aye aye captain¡¯¡¯ the helmsman responded.


    After instructing the helmsman Miriel walked to the railings looking down to the main deck. ¡®¡¯All hands prepare for a storm!¡±She shouted loud and clear. ¡°We¡¯ll anchor near the shore for tonight, no lollygagging!''''


    Aria stood a bit behind her, silently watching the happenings.


    ¡®¡¯What do you want to do with the new guy?¡¯¡¯ she asked Aria.


    Aria tilted her head and folded her arms. After a moment she did respond, ¡®¡¯I am not angry at him, I just did not like that he ignored me.''''


    Miriel nodded before responding, ¡®¡¯Fine, but he still has to report to me. If someone tells him there might be a storm coming he has to tell me about it, nobody else here would have ignored you, you know that right?.'''' Instead of answering Aria simply shrugged, it was way too bothersome to tell someone else when the first refused to listen.


    So instead of saying anything else Aria simply turned around and walked to the railing on the stern quarterdeck. Once again she fell into silence, staring at the waves the Wind Dancer left in her wake. While the sailors worked under Miriel¡¯s strict orders. Aria was listening to the soft murmurings of the lake below, the whispering of the winds and the cries of the birds above.


    For a while she simply stood there at the railing, watching the lake. Afterwards she reached into her collar with a careful motion, to pull out a small horn that dangled on a cord. For a moment she held the horn in her hand before raising it to her lips, three very deep sounds rang out. One long and drawn out, the next higher and shorter, the last was deep and long again.


    The small horn¡¯s sound was heard by everyone on the ship. So it brought attention to Aria from everyone, but only Miriel came over to her. ¡®¡¯What is that horn?¡¯¡¯ she asked with a curious voice, tilting her head a bit.


    ¡®¡¯Nothing~¡¯¡¯ the young one answered with a mysterious smirk on her lips. Before Miriel could ask another question Aria began to unbutton her shirt where she stood, in plain sight for everyone.


    ¡®¡¯Stop! What are you doing?!¡¯¡¯ the captain interrupted a bit panicked, Aria turned around looking at Miriel a bit dumbfounded.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s obvious no? Stripping¡¯¡¯ she said with a face like it was the most natural thing in the world.


    ¡®¡¯No no no no no, you can not do that Aria! Do you even know what the boss would do with me if she ever hears of that? And why would you even strip right here and now?''''


    Again Aria just looked at Miriel with a completely blank gaze, ¡®¡¯swimming.'''' That was all she said before continuing to unbutton her shirt, but Miriel reached out and grabbed Aria¡¯s shoulders this time.


    ¡®¡¯No swimming, firstly I won¡¯t allow you to strip and go swimming without wearing anything. Second there are dangerous things in this lake. If anything happens to you the boss will skin me.'''' But the only answer she got was a big sigh from Aria.


    ¡®¡¯Then how about¡­ how about I wear some bandages? And nothing will happen to me, it is safer in the water than on the ship.''''


    This time Miriel could only sigh, ¡®¡¯even bandages are way too indecent! And how would you be safer in the lake than on MY ship?¡¯¡¯ Miriel said. But Aria didn''t even deign to answer, she simply turned around with her half unbuttoned shirt and went towards the stairs.


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    ¡®''Where are you going? I''m not finished talking yet.¡± Miriel yelled after Aria, ¡®''...at least button up!¡¯'' but the captain''s words fell on deaf ears.  The girl simply walked down the stairs and passed through the main deck, while ignoring the curious gazes of the crew. She then took the stairs that led down to the lower deck.


    Her quick steps lead Aria to one of the five doors on the lower deck. With a swift motion she pulled the key out of her pocket and unlocked the door. Upon entering the small room the first thing which happened was her shirt coming off, and being thrown on her bed. Then she moved over to the Chest, one of the four furnishings in her room. Besides the bed, chair and desk.


    As Aria did not bother locking the chest she simply lifted the lid, to reveal the few items inside, lit by the sparse light coming from a small window above the desk. A change of clothes, a backpack, and a simple spear with a length of seventy centimeters, half as long as she was tall. She reached first for the backpack, after fiddling with it a bit she pulled out a long bandage, something the boss had made her take simply as precaution.


    Now they came in handy for another purpose, quickly and with practiced ease the bandage was wrapped around her chest. Next she grabbed the short spear; it was nothing fancy, just a wooden shaft with an iron spearhead. Before closing the chest again Aria took a short string out of the backpack¡¯s side pocket.


    Only then did she close the lid, next she used the short string to bind her hair into a long ponytail which reached down past her shoulder blades. It simply turned into a mess otherwise when diving, the hair would go everywhere and sometimes even block her vision. With those things taken care of the last thing she did was to slip out of her boots and throw them over to the bed.


    Now, while wearing the breeches that reached below her knees together with the bandage she left the room, again she locked it before turning towards the stairs. As she ascended them carrying her spear the cool air outside hit her body, the feeling of the gentle wind on her skin was pleasant in the warm sun. When she stepped onto the main deck once more many gazes came to rest upon her. Yet again the young girl did not care for it. With sliding steps that easily allowed her to pass along the working sailors unhindered, she reached the quarterdeck and went to Miriel again.


    As soon as Aria had ascended the stairs to the quarterdeck though, there was a big sigh to be heard. ¡®¡¯Did I not tell you that it is indecent to walk around like that? And I still will not allow you to swim! It¡¯s too dangerous.'''' But Aria did not respond, she wanted to swim and that¡¯s what she would do.


    ¡®¡¯Miriel, catch!¡¯¡¯ Aria called out before throwing her rooms key towards the captain. Miriel was a bit flustered from the sudden action but caught the key anyway.


    In the moment in which Miriel was distracted, Aria began to run towards the railings at the stern. With a quick jump she landed on the railing, turning a last time to the young captain. ¡®¡¯I am going, don¡¯t worry I will find you at the shore!,'''' with that said Aria jumped. Just before she dove gracefully into the water without a splash, she could hear Miriel shout her name.


    When Aria dove into the water a veil of bubbles surrounded her. Only as the wall slowly faded, turning into a deep blue did her surroundings become visible. Aria did not move, she did not swim up or dive down. Her eyes simply closed as she slowly floated back to the surface while enjoying the gentle, cool embrace of the water.


    Yet it took only a short amount of time before her head broke through the waters surface. Only then her eyes opened again and looked up at Miriel now standing at the Railing. ¡®¡¯Come back up right now Aria! You better listen or I will get angry!¡¯¡¯ The captain was grabbing onto the railings and shouting those words with everything but a gentle voice now.


    ¡®¡¯I won¡¯t! You should stop worrying and just wait a moment then you will see that I am safe.¡¯¡¯  Aria answered while she was treading water. Not waiting for the woman to speak again Aria reached for the small horn that was still dangling from her neck. With ease she shook the water out of it before setting it against her lips.


    Once more the three low sounds arose, spreading across the vast waters. As Aria let the horn fall back to her chest Miriel called out again, ¡®¡¯Stop playing with your horn! Come up right now or I will tell the boss about this!¡¯¡¯ But again she was ignored by Aria, the young girl just stretched her arm forward and began diving towards the water.


    Without creating a ripple Aria descended into the water again, diving down. Still carrying her spear she swam in a wavy motion not restricted in the slightest by the object she carried. She only stopped for a brief moment after she dove around five meters. There she pinched her nose with her fingers, blowing air through it to relieve the pressure building around her.


    Then she continued diving down and moved her body in dolphin like motion After roughly ten meters and two more brief pauses she reached the bottom of the lake. It was sandy with few rocks and a few greenish-brown, long, thin plants growing towards the surface. Small fishes were swarming and zooming around everywhere in the gentle sunlight that reached here and colored everything in a blue hue.


    Soon after arriving at the lake floor she grabbed onto one of the rocks lying about. While holding it she stopped moving and enjoyed the gentle currents surrounding her. She watched the fish swim around, and the light rays which gently fell while she was waiting.It took only about twenty seconds until something changed in the distance.


    First it was but a small dot but it quickly changed into two emerald green eyes. Then the body became visible, its color was the most majestic deep blue one could think of. A pointy rounded snout, big curved side fins growing smaller towards the back, and two big curved fins on its back. A elegant long body with a crescent tailfin.


    But the most prominent feature was the color of the front of each fin including the tail which carried a hue of glittering shining skin of the most opalescent color. One such waving line went from just below its eye up to the tail on both sides. Yes, what was coming towards Aria was the most regal shark ever born.


    But for Aria that shark was nothing to be afraid of, as she was the one who called him. ¡®Specter, I missed you¡¯ she thought while watching him close in with unsurpassed speed. Only a moment later and he had arrived in front of her, looking at her with a calm gaze. Aria watched him too, they watched each other for a moment before Aria let go of the stone and swam to him. As she reached him her hand gently moved over the side of his head, petting her lifelong friend.


    Then she grabbed his dorsal fin while straddling his back and softly nudged him which spurred Specter once more to move. They had been together for a very long time now, wherever Aria was there he was too. He had never left her side in the water since they had met, and over the years he had learned many commands from her. Like the one she just used, a small tug at his fin telling him to surface.


    No words were needed between the two of them, upon the tug he simply began to ascend in a slow and elegant manner. Only when they were very close to the surface did Aria give another command, upon which the regal shark began to circle and speed up. As they passed close to the ship she gave the next command with a smirk. With an abrupt motion Specter descended for a bit, just to immediately turn and ascend again with zooming speed.


    With a big splash they broke through the waters surface, jumping up into the air. When they reached the zenith of their jump Aria was level with Miriel, who was still standing at the railing. A gasp was heard from her and many others on the ship, ¡®¡¯Aria!... What... Ocean cloud¡­¡¯¡¯ was all Aria could hear before they dove into the waters again.

 Chapter 2: Foggy mornings

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    The world was tinted blue. Once more the gentle embrace of the water enveloped Aria. For a moment she closed her eyes, enjoying the motions of the water around and Specter below.


    When her ears started to feel a stabbing pain her eyes opened again. With ease she balanced the pressure while moving downwards. Soon the lake floor was in front of them again. But this time Aria and Specter didn¡¯t stop, Aria nudged her companion a bit, making him keep moving forward.


    They kept moving along the floor for a minute or two. What was a sandy wave design before began to take on a green tint, small plants began to appear, rapidly becoming denser as they moved forward.


    Before Aria could get closer to study it she had to breathe. With a quick command, Specter ascended for a moment then dove down again. Countless small fish moved around, zooming here and there. A small predatory fish hunted smaller ones and in the distance large thin weeds grew towards the surface. It looked like a forest.


    Aria and Specter swam and dove around the lake for a while, they took a break when the little ones stomach began to growl like a fierce beast. ¡®So hungry¡­¡¯


    Another command and her majestic shark once more broke through the surface before spearing toward the depth. It only took moments to spot a big tasty fish. Specter sped up and Aria thrusted her spear forward.


    With her prize sticking on the shaft of her spear they once more ascended. She held the spear closer to her face, holding the fish in place with the other. Then with a big chomp, she crunched its spine.


    After her prey had stopped struggling, Aria devoured it. She leaned back against the slowly swimming Specter, ¡®that was good.¡¯


    The sun began to descend, wind picked up and blew in strange directions. ¡®I should head back,¡¯ the storm will arrive soon. Spending a night in the lake in the middle of a storm was not fun, neither was Miriel being seriously pissed at her.


    She steered Specter into the rough direction of the Wind Dancer. They swam a while before they found it, the ship was anchored down in a small laguna. When Aria arrived, the ship''s sails were already rolled up and tied down.


    A few meters away, Aria slid off Specter¡¯s back, swimming now on her own. Before approaching the Wind Dancer though, she turned around and eyed Specter.


    Gently she patted his head. ¡°Thank you Specter, I love you.¡± She swam a bit closer, giving her lifelong companion a small peck before turning and swimming towards the ship.


    A moment later, Aria began clambering up the rope ladder. No crew members waited for her which can only mean-


    ¡°Fluff¡­¡± she cursed softly. She reached the deck and her expectations were not betrayed. Miriel patiently sat in her chair, awaiting Aria¡¯s arrival.


    ¡®¡¯Hey Miriel~¡¯¡¯ Aria chirped, and stepped toward her quarters. But the moment the Captain decided to wait for Aria, her luck ran out. Just as the young girl passed by Miriel, the Captain cleared her throat. Aria stopped, frozen in place.


    ¡®¡¯Let¡¯s have a talk~¡¯¡¯ Miriel said with a smile, her eyes lacking sparkle. Aria gulped as she followed Miriel who was walking towards her Cabin.


    Inside the Cabin the Captain sat down on a chair, without inviting Aria to sit. The little girl shifted in place, looking away from Miriel. ¡®¡¯Come over here,¡¯¡¯ Miriel commanded with a freezing voice.


    As Aria stood before Miriel her next words were spoken, promising pain. ¡®¡¯Lay down over my lap.¡¯¡¯ The cold voice rang out.


    Aria took half a step forward, then stepped back again. ¡®¡¯I said¡­ come over here, and lay over my lap¡¯¡¯ Miriel repeated with a frown. Then with a shiver Aria stepped forward, keeping her eyes on the floor.


    A moment later pained screams echoed inside the Cabin. When they stopped soft sobs replaced them. Aria shoved open the door and run outside, tears running down her face. ¡®¡¯Come back here! I am not finished with you yet!¡¯¡¯ Miriel called furiously, but the little one did not stop.


    ¡®¡¯You fluffing piece of whiskers!¡¯¡¯ Aria shouted back enraged while running down the stairs to the lower deck. Her key had long since been retrieved, so the door was opened quickly just to be locked behind her.


    Then Aria threw herself onto the bed, her face hidden in the pillow. The soft sobs and sniffles continued for a while before they ceased, still Aria did not move. Fearing to roll on her back, more precisely her bum.


    After a good half hour there was a sound on her door, someone tried to open it. Only after noticing that it was locked a voice called out. ¡®¡¯Aria, it¡¯s Miriel. Open the door.¡¯¡¯ But there was no response, Aria was not willing to answer Miriel anymore.


    A soft sigh was heard from behind the door, then the sound of a key entering the lock resounded in the small room. With a click the door unlocked and Miriel entered.  ¡®¡¯Go away!¡¯¡¯ Aria hissed at her, face still hidden within the pillow.


    Her words were ignored, Aria heard Miriel step closer and placing something next to Aria¡¯s bed. Only now did Aria actually turn her head to look at it, it was a bucket. ¡®¡¯You are grounded, you won¡¯t leave this room till I allow you to.¡¯¡¯ The young woman said with an indifferent voice, walking away.


    This only made Aria¡¯s anger flare again, just as Miriel had reached the door Aria shot up. She grabbed the bucket and threw it towards the Captain in a fit of rage, the bucket was caught by Miriel.


    ¡®¡¯Fine, suit yourself then.¡¯¡¯ She said as the door closed. Another click resounded and the door was locked again, ¡®¡¯fluff, fluff, fluff, fluff!¡¯¡¯ Aria screamed several times while hitting her pillow.


    When her temper tantrum flared down she rose from her bed, caressing her stinging behind. Then she grabbed her key, trying to unlock the door. But it would not go in far enough. ¡®The second key¡­¡¯ she thought, getting angry again. Her fist slammed against the door once, then kicks followed.


    It took her a while to calm down. ¡®¡¯This is unfair, so unfair¡¯¡¯ she whispered, fighting down the again rising tears. She had not done done anything wrong. But at some point Aria got tired of her raging, and from all that crying.


    After laying in the bed it only took a moment, then Aria had fallen asleep. Soon soft breathing resounded in the room. Undisturbed by the howling wind and whipping rain outside, setting in shortly after she had fallen asleep.


    The first sunlight just broke through the darkness when Aria opened her eyes. She was unwilling to actually get up and rolled around a few times, but an annoying twinge in her lower body kept her from falling asleep again.


    Only after rolling around a few more times did she rise unwillingly to her feet. A slight shiver ran through her body, for one due to the twinge as well as the cold the storm had brought. The bandages around her chest had come undone in her sleep, so she grabbed her shirt and buttoned it up.


    Then she took her boots lying in front of her bed, after slipping into them the cold was much more bearable already. The only problem left was the natural urge pleading for relief. Quick steps led Aria to the door, but when she inserted the key nothing happened.


    The second key was still stuck on the other side she wagered a guess. ¡®¡¯Whiskers¡­¡¯¡¯ She cursed, hitting against the door. As after a moment no answer came from anywhere she began to regret, regret having thrown the bucket after Miriel.


    Aria now began looking around the room, bending over. But no matter how much she struggled, no matter where she looked. There was nothing helping her within her room, neither would the urge simply vanish.


    Just a moment later another shudder ran through her body, it was then that Aria decided. ¡®¡¯Desperate times¡­¡¯¡¯ She moved over to her desk and crawled on top of it, then the small porthole window was wrenched open. It was way to small for that kind of usage she decided, but crawling out of it was possible. Outside a thick fog was shrouding the world into a white veil.


    After a bit of struggling Aria managed to reach outside far enough to grab onto some protruding parts of the hull. Just when she raised her leg to climb over the railing the feeling of a small warm spot appeared between her legs. She instantly froze mid movement, nearly making her fall. With a shiver Aria managed to regain control of her body and position, continuing to climb over the railing.


    Now with short steps Aria moved over the deck, towards the bow where the head was located. Her body was craving sweet relief, eagerly awaiting to reach the goal. But as she tried to yank open the door it did not buck at all. Matter of fact the door was locked, ¡®¡¯Oi! That¡¯s no joke! Open up!¡¯¡¯ Aria called out, her voice quivering as she slammed her fists against the door.


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    But the only answer was the sound of snoring, the door kept being closed. Aria had no time left to hesitate, she went to the railings again. A quick glance was given around, but the thick wafting fog still lulled the ship into its hiding embrace.


    A moment later Aria slid from the railings again, gleefully sighing while pulling her pants up. She had not even moved five meters before a strange sound roused her suspicion. *Click, clack, clack, click, clack, click.* The repetitive slow sound came closer and closer. It was strange and somehow naturally disturbing to Aria, so she slowly backed off from it.


    Then the wafting shadow moved, a shiver ran down her spine. The place where it moved was just a little bit from where she had just sat, then a dark thin and hook like silhouette appeared in the fog. Then another one, hooking itself over the railing. Then a much bigger silhouette appeared, as it heaved itself over the railing and stepped onto the deck Aria shivered in disgust.


    The giant spider sat staring Aria down with its eight soulless beady eyes, its mandibles twitching in anticipation, poison dripping down its glistening fangs onto the ship¡¯s deck with a hiss as the spider regarded its prey. Eight hairy legs ready to pounce on the seemingly defenseless girl. A nightmare brought forth of the darkest pits.


    The young girl stood still, her heart racing. Yet with every thump her expression grew grimmer and her eyes narrower. Her instincts taking over as the calm demeanor of a hunter washed over her. Her tongue licked over her lips, while leaning forward forward. Like this Aria and the Spider stood there, neither moving, just observing the other. Looking at the other as nothing but prey.


    Aria thought of the horn around her neck, but she did not dare make the first move. Then it happened, the spider began its rush towards Aria. Fast tapping sounds arose as the Spider ran forward, but Aria did not hesitate either.


    Both hunters ran towards each other. Just as the disgusting menace hissing rose its fangs, Aria dropped down. Sliding over the still wet planks and under the hissing beast. On the other side Aria quickly came to her legs. A swift motion and the horn touched her lips. A quick blow, a shrill tone resounding. Then the Spider had turned and rushed forwards again.


    Aria too rushed again, the spider was too fast. Then again Aria let herself drop, this time the spider anticipated it and blocked the path underneath. But Aria had aimed for its legs this time, with a crunching sound the young girl used the weight of her sliding body to kick and break one of the spiders hard legs.


    A shrill shriek arose from the huge body as green blood trickled onto the deck. Aria again was quick on her feet, thinking of blowing the horn again. But the enraged beast left her no time. Little did one missing leg impact its speed, as there were enough spare ones.


    Again they charged at each other, this time Aria jumped to the side, rolling out of the spiders way. The right choice as the crawler swept out in front of her just as Aria dodged. Again the two stared at each other, a short silence returning.


    Then the infernal nightmare changed tactics, its body lowered down and Aria was unsure what it planned. Just when it was too late did Aria understand in horror what was happening. With a mighty jump propelled by its many legs the spider shot forward, Aria tried to dodge. But she knew it was to late, then a loud boom echoed across the deck. Just a blink later two more booms rang out, followed by a screech.


    ¡®¡¯Run!¡¯¡¯ Aria heard Miriel scream. When Aria regained her footing she turned around, running towards the voice. Only now did she see what was happening behind her, Miriel and two other sailors were reloading smoking rifles. They had shot the beast just as it was about to pounce on Aria.


    As Aria ran past the main mast a piece of rope drew her attention, instantly an insane idea appeared in her mind. She changed her course and grabbed the rope, shouting to Miriel. ¡®¡¯Shoot its right legs! Don¡¯t question it!¡¯¡¯ She shouted before turning around, forming knots at the rope ends.


    After the first knot was finished the click clack sound once more arose. The before confused spider had regained its bearings, ready to attack once more. But another three shots echoed out once more.


    A loud cracking was followed by another screech, and Aria could see a leg go flying. The spider¡¯s body sank momentarily to the floor. It was then that Aria finished her knots, and it was then that more sailors appeared behind her. Before questions could be asked Aria went and called out to the nearest one, explaining the situation and her idea.


    First he showed confusion, then a bit of fear before it changed to confidence with a nod. He quickly went over to a few others to explain, it was then that Aria ran towards the spider again.


    As Aria came closer she could see that the only injuries on the spider were its two legs and a single burst eye. It¡¯s body seemed to be too hard to be pierced by bullets. Quickly the rope was laid out in the planned way, then Aria called out again. ¡®¡¯Miriel! Get closer! You have to take out the two legs now! And you others get ready!¡¯¡¯ She called in a dominant voice.


    No questions were asked, just as the spider struggled back to its legs Aria appeared before it. An enraged hiss echoed forth its throat, then it staggered forwards. Aria began sliding around the spider, making it turn with her. Then just as the position was right, ¡®¡¯NOW!¡¯¡¯ she called out.


    Gunshots rose again, and once more were followed by screeches and cracking sounds.


    When the spiders body landed on the floor, lacking all its left legs Aria dove forward. With quick movements she grabbed the rope and pulled, the two snares she had knotted pulled tight around two of its remaining legs. ¡®¡¯Help me!¡¯¡¯ again Aria called to the Sailors.


    Their actions were swift as they knew the plan. Before the spider could fight back Aria and six of the sailors were pulling on the rope, dragging the spider towards the railing. It hissed and clanked its mandibles, struggling, trying to free itself. But it was helpless with only two free legs.


    As the group reached the railings Aria gave another command, ¡®¡¯Jump!¡¯¡¯ she commanded.


    Without hesitation Aria and the six sailors jumped over the railing, pulling the spider over it with their weight. Only as it was falling did they let go if it, the moment the group hit the water everyone dove down, trying to get out of the spiders range. Just Aria kept floating in place, the moment the spider hit the water her hand rose forward, her finger pointing towards the two meter beast.


    Then a blue shadow zoomed past, a loud crunch could be heard before both the shadow and spider vanished into the deep waters below, leaving behind nothing but a trail of green blood. That was what Aria had planned, drag it underwater and let Specter devour it. Aria nodded satisfied before breaking through the surface again. ¡®¡¯We made it!¡¯¡¯ she called up just as the others poked their heads out of the water.


    Quickly both Aria and the group of sailors had climbed back onto the deck, but there was no jubilant cheering to be heard. For a matter of fact the only thing reigning supreme in that moment was silence, except the soft pitter patter sound of water hitting the deck from their wet clothes.


    It was Miriel who broke the silence first, ¡®¡¯Are you injured?¡¯¡¯ She asked Aria. But except a few scratches and bruises from the sliding there were none. So she simply shook her head.


    ¡®¡¯Mind enlighten me as to what has happened? From the beginning please.¡¯¡¯ The captain demanded with a strange gleam in her eyes. Aria averted her gaze to her boots which suddenly had become very interesting. ¡®¡¯I am listening Aria¡¯¡¯ Miriel repeated.


    After a moment of silence Aria began to answer, ¡®¡¯I crawled out of my room, then the spider attacked me. I dodged a few times, the rest you have seen.¡¯¡¯ Aria told her story in a deadpan voice.


    ¡®¡¯So firstly, why did you leave your room when I had not allowed you to? This all would not have happened if you had listened to me.¡¯¡¯ Miriel gave to concern.


    Aria could feel her cheeks and ears begin to burn, it suddenly got very hot there. Had to be all those people. Then she began to stutter her answer, ¡®¡¯I had¡­ well I.. fluff! It¡¯s your fault that I was here!¡¯¡¯ Aria shouted with a bashful expression.


    Miriel just raised her eyebrow, only to then change her expression. ¡®¡¯It was THAT wasn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯ Miriel asked, Aria just nodded looking down again. ¡®¡¯Fine¡­ you are not alone at fault then, anyway what happened after that?¡¯¡¯


    Aria again waited a moment, thinking how to best answer. Then she decided, ¡®¡¯Whoever is in there! Its his fault!¡¯¡¯ she said while pointing to the head. Again the young captain raised her eyebrow with a curious glance.


    ¡®¡¯Mind elaborating?¡¯¡¯ She asked. Aria once more went rigid. It sure was strangely hot that day. Her face was burning as she answered, ¡®¡¯The door was locked! So I had to go over the railing, and it took way longer. If the door had been open I would have been back in my room before that thing appeared.¡¯¡¯ She told her listeners, trying to suppress hot tears of shame raising in her eyes.


    ¡®¡¯Sorry.. I won¡¯t ask anymore about that,¡¯¡¯ Miriel said returning to her gentle and soothing voice. ¡®¡¯But heck am I interested which fool barricades himself in there, not even coming out with all this commotion.¡¯¡¯ she said.


    Then Miriel simply pointed towards the door, quickly the door was forced open by two sailors. Inside was a picture of great human drama. An emaciated figure, covered in vomit. Same as the floor surrounding the toilet and the bowl itself. It was the new sailor which had admonished Aria the day before.


    Upon witnessing this scene Aria grimaced in disgust, Miriel just shook her head. ¡®¡¯Anyway, it¡¯s good that nothing has happened to you, but we will have a talk later about your actions young lady.¡¯¡¯ Miriel said while turning around, beginning to give some orders here and there.


    Just as Aria turned around to get a change of clothes she heard Miriel murmur to herself. ¡®¡¯They usually never leave the mountains¡­¡¯¡¯


    _____________________________________________________________________________________________________


    24,9,2,21  14,2,12,6,20,  2  20,17,10,5,6,19,  13,6,2,23,6,  9,6,19,  21,6,19,19,10,21,16,19,26 ?


    1.z


    2.a